Pitt Meadows Athletic Park will have a set of eyes and ears come spring, when a caretaker occupies a home being constructed on the site.
The three-bedroom-house will be ready in two months, in time for ball hockey and baseball season.
Though there were hiccups at the start when crews hit peat while laying the foundation, the house will still meet its budget of $260,000.
Adding piles under the foundation drove up costs by $20,000.
Despite being on budget, some Pitt Meadows residents are questioning why the caretaker’s residence is needed at the park on Bonson Road.
“A better and cheaper plan would include perimeter lights and security cameras,” said Henrick Paradis, who lives nearby.
He also wondered why the new house was being built so close to a ball hockey court.
But Michael Millward, the facilities manager for the parks and recreation department, explained the caretaker is more than just a pair of eyes and ears.
“It is much more than a security role,” said Millward, noting that a caretaker can spot suspicious people and call police immediately.
“They have huge roll of maintenance duties, as well as being an onsite presence.”
Their duties include garbage pickup, mowing lawns and maintaining courts.
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have 14 caretaker residences at various parks, including Maple Ridge Park and Hoffman Park.
Twelve caretakers live in houses on site, while two live in mobile homes.
The caretakers live rent-free, meaning their rent is offset by their duties.