The Village of Kaslo is asking for ideas to ‘reduce vehicle speed, reduce road dust, improve playground safety and increase pedestrian safety’ on the (gravel) ring road around Vimy Park.
The Village itself proposes a double turn-around at the Periwinkle Daycare as shown to the right ->
One option would be to keep the road open but narrow it down to one lane, add speed-bumps and provide a few pullouts (and parking spots) along the way.
But I say let’s make the park even more safe and enjoyable by pulling these turn-arounds apart, opening up the park to the beach. One cul-de-sac at the daycare and another at the skate park would create sufficient access to park and beach, while adding a wide area (currently taken up by the dusty road) for trails and landscaping, connecting park and beach with a smooth transition.
That sounds like a great idea. Probably more work and expense, so i’m sure it won’t get priority in the idea que. But if i were to do it i would give priority to the pedestrian. Then i would block off a block of Front St (in front of the stores) to create a park in the middle of the road where people could socialize and enjoy a public space.
Kendrick, I love pedestrian-only shopping streets!
I love the idea of more park space, Hajo.
Kendrick, I also think Front St should be a pedestrian only street. Also we could add a line of trees in the middle of the lower Front St. (Moyie area) to add more greenery but to also stop the people pulling u turns in the middle of the street. The added windbreak would be a bonus too!
Great idea, too, Jen! Keep them coming 🙂
I agree with your proposal, it is better and give more recreational area to Vimy Park. Access for maintenance vehicles should be keep, so pedestrian walkways should be wide enough to allow a vehicle to go through.
Regarding Front St… it should be kept open to vehicles… it is one of Kaslo`s main particular attractions, and all the commercial area is concentrated there. It is important to keep this commercial street alive..
I would also consider give continuity to the pedestrian path that runs parallel to the Kaslo River and comes from Vimy Park, and ends at the bridge entrance to Kaslo. There, it is cut, and you have to climb to the C Av, then take the 5th Av to reach the trailhead of the Kaslo River Trail …what do you think?
Some interesting thoughts, Lia.
Emergency vehicles would need access, too. Some collapsable posts ate the beginning and end of the trail would grant access for both when needed.
I agree that it would be nice if the river trail continued from Rail road avenue along the river and under the bridge to connect with the trail on the dike. I’m not sure if there is enough space between private property and the riverbank, though.