text: The preferred concept plan for the future of Mill Lake Park has been completed and includes retaining Centennial Pool, the baseball diamonds and the boardwalk (for now), while adding a nine-hole disc-golf course and an off-leash dog area.
  Other features of the plan include adding an outdoor classroom, a permanent covered stage, terraced seating, an extra playground, food service infrastructure, and a potential multi-purpose building or cultural centre.
  As well, the spray park and playground would be expanded, and certain amenities – including lawn bowling, horseshoe pitches, table tennis and chess – would be moved to other areas.
  The concept plan was approved Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 5) at the regular council meeting.
  The plan, when completed, will provide a framework for the development and management of the park over the next 15 to 20 years.
  Mitchell Comb, the city's parks planning manager, told council that one of the biggest concerns expressed by the public was what would happen to the boardwalk.
  He said the concept plan envisions keeping the boardwalk in place for now, but eventually removing it when the lake loop is expanded on land. He said the plan is to keep the lake-viewing pier in place, based on environmental approvals.
  Mayor Ross Siemens pointed out that the boardwalk requires rebuilding, which is expensive and might not meet current environmental regulations.
  Although some councillors expressed concerns with certain portions of the plan – such as parking and trying to offer space for too many things – Siemens pointed out that this is just the initial concept and much can change as it develops over the next several years.
  The preferred concept plan is the result of the second phase of the Mill Lake Master Plan, which included public feedback through written comments, survey responses and open houses.
  The “public engagement report” to council indicates that almost 1,200 people responded to the surveys and approximately 500 people attended the open houses.
  Respondents to the surveys stated that their top choices for the future of Mill Lake Park are adding a dog park, adding disc golf and keeping Centennial Pool – in that order.
  Rounding out the top five preferences are rebuilding the trestle bridge and retaining the boardwalk.
  The report states that there was “strong community support” to maintain and improve the boardwalk, keep or improve the pool, keep and improve the ball diamonds, and improve parking and access.
  There was also much discussion about the perceived safety and maintenance of the park paths and trails, the report states.
  As well, around 80 per cent of respondents welcome some type of food service in the park.
  “The strong message from the community is that the park is a vital urban amenity that helps keep Abbotsford residents of all ages and abilities active,” the report states.
  “It serves many needs and will continue to do so as Abbotsford’s dynamic and diverse population grows, urbanizes and broadens. The park has a legacy as a gathering place for generations that offers unique events that are integral to Abbotsford’s civic identity.”
  The first phase, completed in October 2023, laid out three potential plans for the park, each including various additions and removals.
  One plan included the removal of the boardwalk, the outdoor pool and the baseball diamonds.
  The public engagement report indicates there was no clear preference from residents for any of the plans.
  The resulting concept plan is an amalgamation of the three initial options, based on community feedback, city policy and priorities, fiscal considerations and design expertise, the report indicates.
  The next step of the process includes more public feedback and response from other stakeholders and various council committees to fine-tune the plan.
  Staff will then report back to council with the draft master plan at a future meeting.
  Once the plan is complete, individual projects will be identified over the years through the budget planning process.