Brian Minter: Vancouver parks need dedicated people and public input to ensure their long-term viability

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As a University of B.C. student, living with my wife in a basement suite on Oak Street, we often enjoyed the green space of parks close by and I became an admirer of the Vancouver Parks Department.

In later years, I was privileged to either host, or co-host, three international symposiums or conventions that showcased Vancouver’s lush green-scaping. The Garden Writers of America, the International Garden Center Association, and others in the ‘green’ industry were truly impressed with Vancouver’s world-class parks and gardens.

Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Festival is something to appreciate each spring and well-planned tree plantings across the city create spectacular fall colour. Vancouver really is one of the top green cities in the world, thanks to the many brilliant horticultural leaders, dedicated staff and the many park board members over the years.

After a city council decision to eliminate the park board, I received a phone call from Bill Manning, who has worked in Vancouver parks for over 25 years. Initially he was the horticultural manager and then operations manager for one of the three city parks areas into which the city is now divided.

I asked Manning about the role of the park board and he confirmed its mandate was to oversee and advocate for parks and recreation in the City of Vancouver, looking ahead 10 to 15 years and beyond. As with most boards, they set strategic plans for development, generate budget projections, secure funding, and provide governance and policies that allow management to fulfil these obligations.

At park board