Columbia Park Development

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Outdoor basketball courts have been planned for the City since the approval of the 2021 capital budget. A review of locations was started to ensure a balance of man-made amenities in parks as well as to ensure a balance of services and amenities across the City. While this review was being completed, Council heard a request at their March 26, 2021 Council meeting for the development of a Pump Bike Track in the City. A the May 17, 2021 Council meeting, Council requested Administration to investigate a possible location and cost for the development of a Pump Bike Park. Although the City has an abundance of parks and green spaces, not all green spaces are appropriate for all uses, therefore the Pump Bike Track review was included in the review of possible locations for basketball courts.

The review of locations was presented to the Recreation and Community Services Committee at their October 5, 2021 meeting, where they recommended to Council that the Pump Bike Track and Basketball Courts be located in what is referred to as the BMX Park located behind Columbia School between Bradbrooke Drive and Independent Street. Council then approved this location and deferred the projects to budget deliberations. Council approved both projects as part of the 2022 budget approval at their February 14, 2022 Council meeting.

Consultant & Community Engagement

The City will engage a consultant to work with an internal steering committee consisting of Council and Administration representation to co-ordinate a public consultation and engagement process, design the park and provide contract administration during construction.

Crosby, Hanna & Associates were awarded the project. Crosby, Hanna & Associates will work together with the Steering Committee to engage stakeholders and the community for feedback on the project design as well as to provide the necessary supports to complete the construction.

What is a Pump Track?

The City of Yorkton's Director of Recreation and Community Services, Darcy McLeod, sat down with Laureen Snook (Crosby, Hanna & Associates) and Graham Cooke (Canadian Ramp Company) to share with residents what a Pump Bike Track is and how the track will be part of the overall Columbia Park Development Project.

Design Input Survey

Residents had until Wednesday, September 21st, 2022 to provide their feedback on the future design and amenities of Columbia Park. All feedback provided will be used to develop the preliminary design of Columbia Park. 

Planned Budget
The approved budget for the entire project, which includes consultant fees and construction, is $790,000. The planned budget is to build two asphalt surfaced basketball courts, an asphalt pump bike track and a parking area. Lights are also planned for the courts and tracks, however they may be added at a later date pending available funding.

Concept Design & Approved Budget

At the Monday, December 5, 2022 City Council Meeting, the Director of Recreation and Community Services and consultants from Crosby Hanna & Association and Canadian Ramp Company presented the first design concept for the Columbia Park Development. 

Due to the rising inflation, Council was presented with a phased development plan of Columbia Park. The first phase will include storm mitigation work, parking lot, outdoor basketball courts and a pump bike track. 

City Council approved the following motion unanimously:

  1. Proceed with presenting the design concept of the Columbia Park Development, including the drainage plan, to the Public Open House on December 8, 2022
  2. Proceed to tender on Phase 1, which will determine the final construction costs for Phase 1, and report back to Council with the bids, and to obtain direction if the tender price exceeds the approved budget of $1,090,000.00
  3. Defer other phases of the Columbia Park Development to future budgets.

Public Open House & Concept Design Survey

A Public Open House was held on Thursday, December 8th from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Yorkton Public Library. The public was invited to attend to get a first look at the concept design for Columbia Park and meet with the City Staff and the Consultants to ask questions and provide feedback on the initial design.

The concept design is now available for public viewing along with a feedback survey of the concept design.

Photo Gallery: Columbia Park Development Open House Panels will appear here on the public site.

Residents can view the concept design of Columbia Park and have their say on the final design. Deadline for the survey is Thursday, December 22, 2022.

Take the Survey!

Project Timeline
Planning, design and community engagement the of Columbia Park Development will begin in 2022, with construction of the park scheduled to begin in 2023.

Location Selection

Please read the Council Report on how the site, Columbia Park, was selected.

The video provided is the presentation of the Council Report, made by the Director Recreation and Community Services, which includes a final resolution from City Council.  

Steering Committee
A Steering Committee has been established that will:
  1. Communicate regularly with the consultants and contractors to interpret the project requirements and deliverables.
  2. Review progress on the project and provide input and feedback to the Consultants and Contractors on an ongoing basis.
  3. Ensure appropriate communication with users, the public and City Council throughout the project.

Steering Committee Members consist of:

  • Darcy McLeod, Director of Recreation and Community Services
  • Rene Richard, Director of Engineering and Asset Management
  • Julia Schofer, Program Services Manager - Recreation and Community Services
  • Jeffrey Fawcett, Manager of Capital Projects - Engineering Department
  • Matt Charney, Parks Manager - Recreation and Community Services