Mackie Park Works Nearing Completion

3:00 pm

Works to improve the sightlines and visibility at Mackie Park are progressing. Over the last few weeks, Parks crews have been removing densely forested areas at Mackie Park in consultation with Delta Police. The photographs below illustrate the work achieved to date with respect to the construction of pathways and cut back of tree limbs and bushes.

These works are being undertaken to address concerns expressed by the community in light of the recent homicide. "With two schools bordering Mackie Park, it is critical that we clean up the underbrush in this area" said Mayor Lois E. Jackson, "the safety and well-being of our children and citizens is of utmost importance".

While these works are underway at Mackie Park, our Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission is reviewing other heavily forested parkland areas of concern in Delta and will report back to Council on their findings this fall. Once established, the North Delta Area Plan Committee will also undertake a review of the pedestrian connectivity walkways and networks in North Delta.

"We want to identify isolated pathways and areas of concern to determine if the initiation of safety works is required" said Mayor Lois E. Jackson.

While these works are intended to address safety concerns, it is important that everyone employs basic safety measures including:

• Walk/jog in small groups
• Walk in well-lit, high traffic areas
• Do not have both ears plugged with headphones
• Be familiar with your surroundings
• If you feel like you are being followed, change the direction you are walking and/or cross the street. Also go into the nearest public place (store, gas station, community facility) and report this to police
• If you have a cell phone, make sure it is charged and ready to dial out
• If you feel someone in this area is suspicious or doesn't belong, report this to police.

For further information, contact Ken Kuntz, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture by telephone at (604) 952-3537 or email kkuntz@corp.delta.bc.ca