161 replies to this topic

[aastra]

 

“You spoke, we listened."

 

The standard response to any public outcry related to changes to parks and green spaces. Just once I'd like to see them push something through against public resistance, rather than easily giving in every time.

[aastra]

Does anyone here know what technology would be required to install a new sign that was consistent with the updated signage at other parks, while also maintaining the traditional "carved log" sign?

[Victoria Watcher]

[Nparker]

A bread and circuses controversy if ever there was one.

[Victoria Watcher]

$500,000 in trail improvements underway at Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

 

https://www.timescol...al-park-6792824

 

Construction expected to continue until June with intermittent trail closures

[aastra]

We all know we're living shoulder to shoulder in this unbearably overcrowded and overburdened world of ours. No question about it, it's an unquestionable premise.

 

And yet, a few days ago on a nice summer evening I happened to be strolling through Hollywood Park in Fairfield and there wasn't another soul on the entire park property. Nobody in the playground, nobody playing tennis, nobody walking a dog, not one person.

 

So why do I mention this? Who cares?

 

Because I had a similar experience on an even nicer summer evening just a few days earlier, when I happened to be strolling the grounds of Camosun College. It felt like a Twilight Zone episode where I was the only person left in the world. (Full disclosure: just as I was exiting the grounds I did finally happen to see a security guy doing his rounds.)

 

Yes, in both cases we're talking about a relatively short window of maybe a few minutes, max. But I think my point is this: is open space/green space/recreational space really in such desperately short supply in Victoria? It makes me wonder if that particular crisis narrative might be a tad exaggerated.

[aastra]

Here's another one: on Gonzales Hill there always seems to be a handful of people, but also never more than just a handful of people.

 

Same thing for the grounds of Government House whenever I'm there. A handful of people, but no more than that. Maybe I keep odd hours.

 

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not wishing for crowds. But sometimes I do find myself wondering where everybody is and why so few people seem to be enjoying this spot or that. Gonzales Hill and Government House are hardly run-of-the-mill locales. These are special places.

 

Mount Tolmie, on the other hand, tends to be a more consistent draw. Every time I go up there I find a fair number of people and it's not unusual for it to be genuinely crowded.

[AllseeingEye]

Here's another one: on Gonzales Hill there always seems to be a handful of people, but also never more than just a handful of people.

 

Same thing for the grounds of Government House whenever I'm there. A handful of people, but no more than that. Maybe I keep odd hours.

 

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not wishing for crowds. But sometimes I do find myself wondering where  is and why so few people seem to be enjoying this spot or that. Gonzales Hill and Government House are hardly run-of-the-mill locales. These are special places.

 

Mount Tolmie, on the other hand, tends to be a more consistent draw. Every time I go up there I find a fair number of people and it's not unusual for it to be genuinely crowded.

 

Here's another one: on Gonzales Hill there always seems to be a handful of people, but also never more than just a handful of people.

 

Same thing for the grounds of Government House whenever I'm there. A handful of people, but no more than that. Maybe I keep odd hours.

 

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not wishing for crowds. But sometimes I do find myself wondering where everybody is and why so few people seem to be enjoying this spot or that. Gonzales Hill and Government House are hardly run-of-the-mill locales. These are special places.

 

Mount Tolmie, on the other hand, tends to be a more consistent draw. Every time I go up there I find a fair number of people and it's not unusual for it to be genuinely crowded.

 

Our family lived across Cedar Hill X Rd from the entrance to Mt Tolmie proper, from 1972-2012. It was always popular and even crowded with locals frequently walking their furry friends, even back in the 70's. Beyond that kids including yours truly skate boarded from the top parking lot all the way down to Cedar Hill. Still many others, not necessarily with pets, simply walked its many trails. Given that it is literally surrounded on all sides by densely populated suburbia this is really no surprise. Its easily accessible to all, very walk-able, safe, and has a great view at the top.

Edited by AllseeingEye, 04 August 2023 - 07:36 PM.

[lanforod]

What's Gonzales Hill? I've never been there or heard of it 😅

[aastra]

I made it up. It's all part of the testing that Mike K. has us doing.

[Barrrister]

Government house has lots of people there whenever I am there and that has been pretty regularly over the years. 

[Blair M.]

I think the take-away is that the CRD and its surrounding green spaces most definitely aren't overcrowded.

There's still a lot of places that remain as they were 30 or 40 years ago.

 

Of course we're geographically larger, and harbouring a few serious issues that assorted Councils have repeatedly failed to deal with, but as your walkabouts demonstrate, Victoria and surrounds is a lovely place to live.

[Barrrister]

That is not my takeaway at all. Perhaps, you should restrict conclusions to your viewpoint and not imply that others all agree with you. I think the limited greenspaces are starting to reach capacity in many instances. 

[Blair M.]

That is not my takeaway at all. Perhaps, you should restrict conclusions to your viewpoint and not imply that others all agree with you. I think the limited greenspaces are starting to reach capacity in many instances. 

Mmmmm -  it was a post noting what "I think".

Of course, you're free to think whatever you wish.

[aastra]

 

I think the take-away is that the CRD and its surrounding green spaces most definitely aren't overcrowded.

 

This is basically what I'm suggesting, yes. Sometimes I feel like I could blast Mike K.'s favourite albums on a boom box and there wouldn't be a chance of offending anyone because there's nobody else around. That's pretty incredible if you really think about it.

 

Many times on this board we've observed how the issue isn't lack of spaces but rather how the spaces are being used or not used, or what condition they're in, etc.

[aastra]

Also, there's that "hidden gems" mindset in Victoria whereby a lot of people seem to exclude themselves from things that are neither hidden nor small.

[Nparker]

...Sometimes I feel like I could blast Mike K.'s favourite albums on a boom box and there wouldn't be a chance of offending anyone because there's nobody else around...

I bet Mike keeps this one under lock & key.

[Matt R.]

Seems like more of a Cheech and Chong type, Dave’s not here and all that.

[Nparker]

C&C are undoubtedly part of Mike's spoken word album collection.

[Mike K.]

I also play left handed guitar!