The Community Association of Oak Bay pushes the community conversation on Turkey Head again during this week’s street market.
Their “In the Market for your Ideas” and “Talking Turkey (Head)” is a partnership between Community Association of Oak Bay and Greater Victoria Placemaking Network at the Oak Bay market.
“This was an obvious follow up to the interest in the topic at our June 17 Oak Bay Talks….Brainstorm on Turkey Head held at the Windsor Park Pavilion which also brought in the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network. The Oak Bay Talks... had about 50 people participate in learning about Turkey Head and then thinking about possible uses beyond its current parking lot use,” said Kris Nichols, president of CAOB. “Sort of putting a twist in the old Joni Mitchell song instead of They paved paradise, put up a parking lot and thinking beyond the paved parking lot to possibly create a new paradise to be enjoyed by the community.”
Residents brought ideas to the Oak Bay Talks… about Turkey Head about how to better utilize the community-owned space. From that and ideas collected at the last market, the most popular ideas were a fishing/viewing platform, seating/gathering/performance space, interpretation (signage, facilities) and community events (farmers/public market, food truck fest, etc). Other fun ideas were a pool, musical sculpture, skatepark and much more.
“As you would expect lots of people liked the idea of more public art too,” Nichols said.
“In general we were was really pleased to hear from residents that live close to the area and were strongly in favour of more activity at Turkey Head. There’s a lot of support for it becoming a real gathering point and resource for the community. Virtually everyone felt the space was under utilized and could be more fun and engaging. Not one person said ‘you should keep it as is’.”
There was also broad support for the idea that Turkey Head could be a community gathering space to complement Willows beach, and could host events that might not be suitable for Willows.
“Lots of folks already use the area and like the amenities at the marina,” Nichols said, adding that many people were not aware the parking lot was public space and that it was separate from the marina.
“I was so pleased to hear from Oak Bay residents about their ideas for Turkey Head. Making people aware that the area of public space and has so much potential as a resource for the community was a great outcome,” said Andrew Appleton, Greater Victoria Placemaking Network representative. “I’m looking forward to having the community continue to give their ideas and contribute to a vision for this space.”
The Community Association of Oak Bay and the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network will be at the market on the front lawn of the municipal hall Aug. 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. seeking more community input.
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