Binnie has been involved with the planning and development of the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex since from 1998 with the initial site preparation and development of BLSC – West. The site plan for the complex proposed development of, a new fieldhouse, three synthetic turf fields, circulation, and parking. On a multi-disciplinary design team, Binnie coordinated field layout and design, civil engineering design and survey services. Subsequently, in 2007 Binnie was retained to provide detail design and construction services to develop synthetic play fields 4 & 5 in the last phase to complete initial development of BLS Complex West. In 2009, Binnie was retained to renovate synthetic turf Field #1, which was the first synthetic turf replacement and renewal project a that time in Western Canada. At this time, costing for Field #3 replacement was completed to help plan its renewal in next few years in 2012. In, 2013 was retained to prepare plans for Field #2 improvements and renewal to include soccer, field hockey and lacrosse markings.
With the initial development of the BLS Complex-West, the City of Burnaby needed to consider the vision for the greater context at Burnaby Lake. Binnie was the lead park planner and designer for the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex Visioning Plan. This planning exercise involved a re-visioning of a regionally significant sports and recreation complex that included multiple synthetic turf playfields, an indoor pool and recreation centre, an ice hockey arena, a tennis centre, a rowing centre, and several other facilities. One of the primary goals of this assignment was to form a composite site analysis plan with the City’s disparate, but extensive site data including maps, surveys, historical plans and designs, and geotechnical reports. Binnie gathered additional data, as well as conducted a comprehensive interview process of city parks and operations staff to document their assessment of the needs and desires of various user groups and stakeholders. Further, Binnie provided a site-wide environmental assessment to ensure the Master Plan considered sensitive habitat and proposed opportunities for improving the overall natural environment surrounding the complex. The Master Plan and supporting report highlighted development opportunities that aligned with guiding principles.
The visioning and master planning process for this sport complex synthesized many variables to develop feasible options to guide City planning and investment. The many options allow flexibility to best match future program needs and shifting priorities.
