Despite community opposition, Vancouver council has approved a new Hastings Park and Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) Master Plan that will nearly triple the amount of park space in one of the oldest parks in the city.
Under the new master plan, which has been six years in the making, 50 additional acres of new park space will be created, expanding the total park space to 76 acres from 26. The move will make the park 50% park space.
Some of the plan's priorities include the city reinstating community use of the synthetic turf at Empire Field, developing a youth-focused sports park and mountain bike park, developing a pedestrian trail from Hastings Park to New Brighton and new sports courts. The plan also adds more than five kilometres of new pedestrian and bike trails and new community celebration spaces, including a renewed amphitheatre and festival plaza.
The entire 20-year master plan will cost approximately $310.4 million to implement, including professional fees and contingency funds. Construction will comprise the bulk of the costs.
Approximately $84.6 million will be spent on building construction and renewals, and $44.7 million to expand the park’s public open space. Much of the costs will come from capital plan funding, Hastings Park racecourse contributions, PNE and Playland revenue, government funding and private partnerships and sponsorships.