Paterson Park with its storied history is now a lightly used venue for joggers and walkers with their canine friends.
I'm one of those who frequent the disused limestone half-mile oval with my "pal" Louis. We are thankful for this space particularly where designated as an off leash area.
It's nice to have a place where owners are aware of their dog's litter, and deposit it in a proper container. All homeowners would appreciate that effort, but I digress.
The track atmosphere of an earlier time resonates with us "old timers" and it's an enjoyable outing for all users.
Located on the southwest quadrant of highways 17 and 10 this tranquil setting has only so much shelf life.
Delta is well known for its open space and this acreage with its natural
grasses and easy access adds to Ladner's ambience. Under joint ownership of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the Corporation of Delta with Delta's agriculture society by agreement, have a say in any future use of this strategically located property.
Sometime in the future, this site will be put to a more intense use. Fortunately past council has preserved one of its early structures, one of several barns on site, which was moved to Deas Park along with other heritage buildings, "Burrvilla" and the "Inverholme" school. All three are representative of Delta's pioneering history.
Metro Vancouver Parks are good stewards of these important structures.
There is no urgency at present by the owners or the community at large for redevelopment of Paterson Park but the land, at the entrance to Ladner and adjacent the civic centre will at some time be put to a "higher and better use."
Quite frankly I would be happy to see the land remain it its present use permanently, but we shouldn't be so naive. Ladner has limited growth potential with the ALR containing so called urban sprawl. No longer considered a site for a college with an agricultural component,
there have been a number of overtures to the farmers institute in the past, for any number of future uses including a golf driving range (for heaven's sake) which was quickly dismissed.
There will be a time in Delta's future when our cultural and arts community will require new and larger facilities.
Currently, theatre groups are spread over three communities, art groups and service organizations are accommodated where possible and our museum and archives are located in three separate buildings none of which are satisfactory for their intended purpose.
The Corporation of Delta has done an admirable job under budgetary constraints and limited population base to accommodate its various user groups.
As one example, at some future time the museum and its assets will require appropriate presentation space for its exhibits and displays encouraging public awareness, tours and showings of our natural and cultural heritage.
I can't think of a more central site in Delta to house multi cultural facilities. Wishful thinking? Where better but on this iconic heritage site.
And a good night to you Scott.
