It is also the basis of a number of scientific instrumental techniques with atomic resolution, such as scanning probe microscopes (STM, AFM, etc). The piezoelectric effect is very useful within many applications that involve the production and detection of sound, generation of high voltages, electronic frequency generation, microbalances, and ultra fine focusing of optical assemblies. When reversed, an outer electrical field either stretches or compresses the piezoelectric material. When piezoelectric material is placed under mechanical stress, a shifting of the positive and negative charge centers in the material takes place, which then results in an external electrical field. One of the unique characteristics of the piezoelectric effect is that it is reversible, meaning that materials exhibiting the direct piezoelectric effect (the generation of electricity when stress is applied) also exhibit the converse piezoelectric effect (the generation of stress when an electric field is applied). The word Piezoelectric is derived from the Greek piezein, which means to squeeze or press, and piezo, which is Greek for “push”. Construction is proposed for 2021-22.Īt 10 hectares, Topaz is the city’s third largest park.Piezoelectric Effect is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. There has been $1 million set aside in the city reserves for the project.ĭetailed design of enhancements in the southern portion of the park - including the skateboard park, bike skills park, tennis courts, outdoor fitness area, sport hub, picnic area and pathways - would be the second priority. Pending budget approval, construction would be done in 2020. The expansion enables the grass field at the corner of Blanshard and Topaz to be reimagined with a wide range of activities such as pickleball, a tennis court, skateboard park, bike skills park and improved outdoor fitness area.Ĭity staff are recommending a phased approach with design for replacement and expansion of the city’s lone artificial turf sports field - which is nearing the end of its life - coming in 2019. A row of large cottonwood trees along the southern edge would be retained. It would also offer upgraded field lighting, spectator facilities, covered players benches and dugouts. The proposed expanded artificial turf would include two full-size soccer fields as well as an integrated ball diamond. Johnson said the conceptual plan is based on enlarging the artificial turf field to increase capacity for field sports and repurposing a grass sports field to add new types of activities. That makes this an ideal time to create a cohesive long-term vision.” Much of the infrastructure is aging and will require replacement over the next two to 10 years. “As a result, much of the park space is used inefficiently and many of the amenities are poorly connected. “This park has developed incrementally over time and has never had an over-arching plan to guide changes,” said senior parks planner Alia Johnson.

More than 3,600 people participated in the public consultation and a final public survey saw 87 per cent approval for the proposed improvements, staff said.

There are some concerns, Isitt said, about the loss of a fourth baseball field. “They like the diversity of the amenities proposed.” “Most of the comments I’m hearing from the public in Hillside/Quadra are strongly in favour of the plan and the process,” said Coun. An improved network of pathways and trails.Addition of a skateboard park, bike skills park, tennis courts and pickleball courts.Upgrading of the grass fields, increasing the functionality of the lacrosse box, improving the playground and formalizing the leash-optional area.Increased capacity for field sports through renewal and expansion of the existing artificial turf field.Victoria councillors have approved a 10-year Topaz Park improvement plan that calls for new playing fields, walking trails, a bike skills park and leash-optional dog area.Ī year in the making and developed with extensive public consultation, the plan’s key features include:

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