Changes In The Plans For John Oliver Park?

Rumors are running rampant depending on whom you talk with about finally making or having a development with John Oliver park off hwy 10 at the bottom of Scott Road or 120th.

For our “two cents worth” the Park desperately needs lights at the entrance plus additional seating as well as something other than the two metal rusty containers on the far side of the field which are waiting for someone to get seriously injured before changes are made. SAD BUT TRUE!!!

If you’re old enough to remember the park was to have an arrangement with the Whitecaps back in 2008 allowing them to develop a team training facility, plus a National Training Centre.

That was when Delta’s Mayor Lois Jackson had a meeting with Premier Gordon Campbell discussing establishing the above mentioned National Soccer Training facility.

Just thinking – just maybe Lois might be able to add some additional thoughts to why this fell apart – just maybe?

The idea to build a soccer training centre at the 20-hectare (50-acre) land saw the municipality sign a memorandum of understanding with the Whitecaps to construct a $31 million plan which included a clubhouse for both National and Professional players, on several fields to which Delta would pay for all roadway improvements. 

The Municipality would provide a 60-year-lease for the Whitecaps which would allow a portion of the park to be used by the club while Delta residents were told that Premier Campbell and Liberal candidate Wally Oppal promised provincial funding during the 2009 election campaign.

The proposal was taken off the drawing board when Delta and the soccer club were unable to agree on how much community usage would be.

Delta Councillor chaired the Parks and Rec Commission (at that time) Robert Campbell mentioned “They really didn’t offer any community access and we were stuck with them offering times amassing to like six tournaments a year plus the Caps also wanted to build one artificial turf field where we required they build two.”

Fast forward to 2012, the Whitecaps and government announced BC would assist to complete “a world-class soccer development centre” at UBC while the Caps had also launched a soccer academy in partnership with the school district which also received a “Red Card.”

“Care should be made to ensure a comprehensive plan is followed for development,” the plan notes.

In recent conversation with some individuals at City Hall they mention that some of the Delta’ medium-term (2023-2027) wish list ideas at JO currently include improvements to the park such as additional fields, a fieldhouse capable of hosting community activities, additional parking and other improvements.

Estimated cost for all those projects at the site add up to $30 million and if you say it fast it’s not all that much given today’s market value of playing fields.

Before the earlier plan that went south with the Whitecaps, the city had earlier made an arrangement with the Ex-Britannia Rugby Association for the park which included restoring the John Oliver Bark which for many was a landmark plus developing new playing fields – neither of which happened!

Sadly for many the barn was deemed not feasible which created somewhat of a “firestorm” and eventually dismantled.

Fast forward to the July 28 Regular Council Meeting, Delta Council received reports on three major initiatives that will hopefully shape the future of parks, recreation and culture in the city, 

These include the John Oliver Park Master Plan, the new Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan, and the final Sports Field Needs Assessment report. 

Delta Mayor George V. Harvie mentioned ​“These are exciting projects that reflect our commitment to supporting a growing and active community.”

He continued “We want to thank park users and the sports organizations that have contributed to date and are looking forward to hearing from residents as we move ahead with long-term planning for our parks, programs, and sports facilities.” 

If you’ve got ideas contact Delta’s City Hall and come up with some new ideas which will shape the future of John Park.