[bax]

Originally Posted by HartAttack

There are 2 problems I have with the proposal:

1) Parking - This morning on FAN960, Ken King basically dismissed any notion that parking will be a problem because [paraphrasing]"with our current facilities (Saddledome & McMahon) parking and traffic have always been a problem for Calgarians, and they are used to it, so they can deal with it in a new facility as well"... Also if I could get over the fact that parking will be a huge problem for 1 event, like a Flames game (which I can't), imagine what it would be like when 2 events are going on at the same time... Say an 'amateur fieldhouse' type event - basketball tournament, badminton, track and field, etc combined WITH another event at the new hockey arena - concert, hockey game, etc ..... Traffic would be an absolute nightmare, and ultimately it might impact the usage of each of the facilities, as they would not ever be used at the same time.

2) Placement & Design - I feel like everything is just really crammed into the design because of existing infrastructure, and don't really like the fact that the buildings need to be sloped to avoid casting a shadow on the bow river (seating is not uniform heights around the fieldhouse), but since that's a by-law, I have another idea...:

Recommendation:
The buildings need to be moved further South, which means Bow Trail would move as well. This idea would allow the buildings to be designed in a more appealing way, and as well, open up some room along the bow river for what I consider to be the biggest draw for developing this project in WV, and that is pubs & restaurants built along/overlooking the river.

Also, by moving Bow Trail and expanding the development area, more parking could be included in the plans.

Finally, I just feel like the "Live, Work" portion of "Live, Work, Play" could be altered somewhat to accommodate the parking issue. I'd rather have a few less condo buildings and office buildings in WV, or at least ramp up the green space proposed in WV, which could be converted to parking (large grass areas) when events are going on.

Sorry if these issues have already been beaten to death in this 2,700+ post thread, but just wanted to share my thoughts.

Modern facilities are being built with less parking these days. It's part of the movement towards a greater emphasis on public transportation. I forgot which arenas, but somebody earlier in this thread talked about how so major NHL arenas have very little parking.

King also mentioned at the season ticket holder event that there is lots of Parking downtown (plus 1500) at the new facilities so people who are set on driving may just need to hop on the train for a couple stops or walk the extra 15-20 minutes.

Also, I don't think that there is any reason to worry about the seating situation in the Fieldhouse as of yet. The renderings they showed were very premature and I'm sure they will come up with something that works. When we see official plans, then we can start to worry.