A Master Plan to revive the Picton Fairgrounds was presented to Prince Edward County council on Tuesday night.

Dr. Carl Bray of Bray Heritage presented a comprehensive plan to council on Tuesday night that guides the County’s plans for conserving and enhancing the cultural heritage resources on the Fairgrounds property.  Heritage Bray was retained by the municipality with Branch Architecture and Letourneau Heritage Consulting, to prepare a master plan for the fairgrounds.

While there are no immediate plans or a price tag associated with revamping the fairgrounds, the plan calls for the creation of a heritage precinct, an expansion of agricultural facilities, more recreation space, foster partnerships and manage change.

“It is important to remember the most distinctive aspect of the site: it is a rare, largely intact example of an agricultural exhibition ground,” said Bray.

He said the main purpose of their efforts was to not only conserve the fairgrounds as a property but to conserve it as an element of a way of life in the County.

That has two aspects of it, he said.

“One was to promote things agricultural and the other was to promote and accommodate various forms of recreation,” he said.  “Those two themes are manifest throughout our work and find a resolution we hope in the objectives and action plans that are part of the final recommendations.”

The Crystal Palace, Fruit Building, Grandstand and Old Boys Memorial Entrance are considered the four key structures, his report noted.

The fairgrounds have cultural significance related to Prince Edward County’s agricultural, recreation and social history as well as architectural value related to its heritage buildings he noted in his report.

The plan also suggests restoring the former racetrack to allow for horse racing and recreational activities – a proposal that did not sit well with Sami Lester.

Lester was involved in creating the $1.2 million skate park.

She took issue with a segment of the plan that stated the skatepark does not fit in and should be altered to allow for the restoration of the racetrack.

“After reading the proposed master plan and the presentation slides, it really made me feel like whoever sponsored that research doesn’t care about youth, and that if that document is your guiding light, you don’t either,” she said.

She said it was offensive to state that “the skatepark and building are intrusive.”

“Intruding upon what,” she asked. “Intruding upon whose values? There is a very good reason the skatepark is located at the front near the road, where incoming visitors could return to appreciate it and where there would be more safety than having it tucked away at the back of the arena as it used to be.”

Coun. Phil St. Jean said he would be the first to scream in opposition if anyone tries to remove sections of the skate park and the associated building.