The Editor,
For years now I have been photographing and wondering about Terra Nova and have seen all the changes that have occurred over the years, some good and some not.
Today I ventured down to Terra Nova Park to photograph nature and was wondering what was going on at the park (construction wise).
I couldn't find the information under the city's website, so I called the parks branch and was informed that we are now going to have a play area, which includes a zipline, maze and a tree climbing area.
In the spring, I would photograph hummingbirds feeding on the blossoms of the blackberry bushes, apple blossoms and eating insects to feed their young.
With the cutback of these bushes and the increase of human's pursuits, we will see less of these amazing birds.
Over the years, I have watched the undergrowth disappear and along with that went the birdlife. The pond area is the only place to find birdlife and many species have departed from this area.
I hope the city will have a crew to pick-up the garbage that will be left behind on a daily basis. And what about safety? The playground will be situated next to a pond. Given that some of the children will not be attended, this could be a hazard.
Also does the city have it in their budget to provide security and daily clean-up as well as new bins around the play area?
Another issue is bathrooms. The ones they have now will not be able to handle the increase in public use. The area now is well used, but with the play area those who venture down there now will have to find another place to enjoy nature and peacefulness.
We are not going green, we are going city.
Many people come down for exercise and relaxation but I can see this area becoming a city park and not a nature park. As I looked at the construction area I see the possibility of trees being cut down for the maze.
The trees that are there should stay, as I noticed a month ago that the great blue herons were coming back and resting in the tree, but with the construction in the works they have left once again.
What is in the making for the increase of traffic and parking at Terra Nova? The area is a migratory bird area and should not be disturbed. I think the city should be looking at Garry Point Park for this type of development. The parking lot is there and it has open areas for ziplining and the creation of a maze on the grounds of Garry Point, and nothing would be disturbed in this area.
I really enjoy my daily walk around Terra Nova Park, but I will have to find another area to enjoy in the near future if this type of planning continues.
I have attached a few pictures that I took this morning while down at Terra Nova Park; I know you and your readers will enjoy them.
Nature walks and educational school outings should be in the making for this type of area.
There is so much out there to search for in life, and when you find it, a very good feeling comes over you - nature is wonderful. The story behind the Copper's Hawk overhead is amazing, this juvenile let me take pictures of it as he/ she sat in a tree and didn't see me as a threat but after it heard the call from it's mother, it circled above me twice then left for the nesting area.
Interesting, wouldn't you say?
Dave Kemp Richmond
For more photos of Terra Nova by Dave Kemp, look online at www.richmondnews.com. Next week, tell us what you think about the park proposal on Wednesday's online poll.
