Tonight the sun set around 8:20pm. The sky is slightly overcast, so by 9:00pm Crocus Park was cloaked in darkness. Crocus Park does not have any lighting along its walkways. A number of people living adjacent to the park have told me that they avoid the park at night because it is too dark.

Lakeridge Community Association has looked into the situation, but have been advised that lighting the park will be an expensive upgrade for the Association. While this upgrade is a modest expense for the City itself, it is an expense far beyond what is affordable for the neighbourhood on its own.

This is a prime example of how a moderate investment in our existing parks can improve their use and enjoyment by residents.

Our neighbourhoods have some of the city’s best parks, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of nature through all of our seasons. In order to retain our quality of life, we must continue to invest in these green spaces, revitalizing the fields, the playgrounds, and the pathways. As well, the city should invest further in community association activities, and encourage more winter activities in our parks. Park lighting is an expectation for Ward 9 residents, and one of my priorities.