The Hastings Park Conservancy says it has concerns about Vancouver 2010’s Olympic plan going to the Vancouver Parks Board Monday night. The group is concerned about the possibility of “white elephants” if buildings at Hastings Park are spruced up and used for Vancouver’s 2010 Olympic bid.
Conservatory president Mariken Van Nimwegen said, “we’re very worried about the prospect of white elephants in the park afterward. It’s not so much the two weeks of the Olympics, but what will be done with those facilities afterward – big huge buildings standing there doing nothing, creating an awful lot of nuisance for the neighbourhood around them”.
Commissioners are being asked to support a recommendation that would see the Pacific Coliseum renovated for figure skating and short-track skating and the nearby Agrodome used as a practice facility for those sports.
There are also concerns about a plan that calls for a curling venue seating 5,000 to 6,000 spectators in the Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park locale.
Parks board vice-chairman Allan DeGenova says the plan is in the preliminary stage but has a potential “win-win” for the community.
Commissioner Roslyn Cassells says she’s concerned the Olympics could result in a decrease in park space. “I grew up in eastern Canada and I still remember what happened in Montreal. I don’t think any good can come of the Olympic Games”.
