Provence Park officially opens

Provence Park, located on the corner of Provence Avenue and Plainhill Drive, was officially opened Saturday, Sept. 12 as part of a joint venture between the city and the Portobello South Community Development Association (PSCDA), alongside the community group’s first-annual onsite BBQ.

Though newly launched, the park was long on city books as part of agreements with developers to put aside greenspace, explains Pierre Letendre, PSCDA president, with the community association stepping in last year to offer suggestions on the plans.

The group made several recommendations accepted by city planners, he recounts, including the addition of two tennis courts to the site since none are available within the community. Beyond that, Letendre continues, the newest, at least 10-acre greenspace boasts a large playground, basketball court and will have a hockey rink this winter and a soccer field which is still being completed.

Approximately 500 to 600 residents came out for the opening and BBQ, he says, calling it a major success for the community association, which serves an area of about 5,000 to 6,000 residents. “It was unreal,” he recounts, and even more impressive since at least 40 per cent of the area’s new housing is still to come. “The response was great. (The park) is a place for them to get together.”

Since Saturday’s event, residents have already been inquiring about getting involved with PSCDA, Letendre adds. Next for the community association, which will hold its annual general meeting Nov. 12, is a range of new projects, including pushing for a splash pad at Provence Park, he explains.

Even with the city considering installation, the need is already there, Letendre says. “It’s good for the young families,” he continues, adding an indoor city pool at Blackburn and Portobello slated for 2011 and a new community centre coming this fall will also be welcome additions to the area. For more information, please contact the Portobello South Community Development Association at www.pscda.com