North Bay City Councillor Mark King has given notice of a motion to facilitate the opening of a new public park off Four Mile Lake Road.
The property is on the east side of Four Mile Lake, past the airport and is owned by the City of North Bay. Former school board trustee Bill Parfitt attended Tuesday’s regular meeting at City Hall, suggesting a second, similar park could work at Otter Lake.
For now, King said the focus will be on the Four Mile Lake park. There is a sandy beach area plus a trail system into the area from the main road. Picnic tables are a possibility and the area would be serviced by the Parks and Recreation department.
Parfitt’s idea to name the leisure space the Algonquin Regiment Park only heightened King’s interest in the project as his father served in the Second World War with the outfit. Parfitt served as a rear gunner in bombers during the conflict.
“It was a dream of Bill Parfitt’s for a long time. They’ve asked me to move forward with it, so I’ve done that,” said King following the meeting.
King explained Parfitt’s son Matt is an engineer who teaches at Nipissing University and his students will make it a project to prepare the area for initial opening with road access and parking.
“It will cost almost no money to the city,” said King, adding there is a second piece of property in the area that could be sold to offset any costs.
The military tie-in is augmented by the proposed park’s proximity to 22 Wing/CFB North Bay and King pointed out there has been considerable development in the area, providing no shortage of potential visitors.
King expects the staff report to be released in two weeks and expects a council resolution of support to follow soon after.
