More rides and more green space will define the future of Hastings Park, according to a new, multi-decade plan for the area passed by Vancouver City Council Tuesday.
Debates over the future of the iconic city space — which is home to numerous Vancouver landmarks, including the PNE, Playland, Pacific Coliseum, Empire Fields and Hastings Racecourse, has consumed the city’s attention for more than a year, with dozens of open houses, committee meetings and public hearings held on the matter.
According to Coun. Raymond Louie, who chairs the PNE board, around 55 per cent of those “engaged” with the process were supportive of the plan’s end result.
After council amendments, the $208-million, 20-year plan will see Playland gain eight new acres of carnival space and add eight hectares of wooded parkland.
“Having 50 per cent of the park proposed as green space represents a significant improvement over what it is now, which is mostly asphalt,” said Louie.
