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PROVINciAL flanks

It was announced this winter that the new golf course being built at Lakeside will be operated by the Provincial Parks Branch. The championship-course is on the_site of the former Crowbush Cove Provincial Park, a favorite of Islanders for it’s serenity and it?s north shore beach.

Construction of the golf course, now named the "Links at Crowbush Cove", has endured some controversy since it began and the.issues surroundingj disturbance of the back dunes have- drawn the attention of environmentalists. These concerns will be a‘ consideratiOn for future management of the site as a part of the Provincial Park System. Harry Simmonds, former manager of Brudenell River and the eastern parks region, has been appointed to the project this year to work with the construction team in

preparation for full operation in 1993. ' '

Parks have a three-fold mandate Of preservation, recreation and education which in itself suggests some compromise. Park systems' across the globe face the _challenge of rationalizing 'and icontrolling use of some of our most sensitive landscapes and the balance which is normally achieved is always a trade-off. When successful, that trade-off will sensitize the visitor to the particular values of the site while still affording it adequate protection. This is_an eduCational process which enhances a park's appreciation both as a natural landscape and a tourist attraction. The process, however, must be ongoing. This is the essence of all public parks.

The Links at Crowbush cove are distinct frOm other Provincial Park operations since they are designed around a single activity. Both other provincial golf courses support a larger complex of facilities. Golfers enjoy the outdoors as much as anyone but'the challenge to Provincial Parks is perhaps greater at Lakeside to give them the extra dimension of appreciation that visitors have more time for in other parks.

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