Share your feedback on series of park renewal plans

Public information centres scheduled for seven projects across the City

Seven park renewal projects will be the focus of public information centres over the next several weeks, as the City of St. Catharines prepares for more than $2 million in investments to ensure St. Catharines’ parks reflect a City where everybody can play.  

The following meetings are scheduled to take place for park renewal plan projects:

• Elma Street Park multi-use court, Tuesday, March 28 at St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, in the Irene Locke Program Room;
• Port Dalhousie Pool Park multi-use court, Tuesday, March 28 at St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, in the Irene Locke Program Room;
• Louis Avenue Park basketball court, Thursday, March 30 at St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, in the Irene Locke Program Room;
• Burgoyne Woods Park play equipment, Tuesday, April 4 at St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, in the Burgoyne Room;
• St. Patrick’s Park multi-use court, Thursday, April 6, at Russell Avenue Community Centre, in the Assembly Room;
• Bartlett Park play equipment and multi-use court, Tuesday, April 11 at St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, in the Burgoyne Room; and
• Alex Mackenzie Park play equipment and basketball court, Thursday, April 13, at Russell Avenue Community Centre, in the Assembly Room.

The meetings, which will run from 5-6 p.m., will feature displays of each of the proposed renewal projects. Community members can view the displays and then offer their input on the proposed plans for City staff to consider.

The projects represent more than $2.3 million in renewal for the City’s parks, with upgrades to include playgrounds, multi-use courts, and more.

“Neighbourhood parks are important places for our residents to play, gather, socialize and enjoy the outdoors,” said Eric Lamothe, the City’s manager of business planning and strategic services. “We’re excited to move forward with these renewal projects to make these spaces even more enjoyable and accessible for users of all ages and abilities. We are looking forward to sharing the plans with the residents who enjoy these spaces, and to get their input.”

The renewal projects are not only aimed at ensuring amenities are replaced before they pass their useful life, but also to ensure playgrounds and parks remain accessible. City Council adopted a policy in 2019 requiring any new or reconstructed playgrounds to have firm and stable play surfaces, and/or be replaced with an accessible design.

Playground renewals at Burgoyne Woods, Alex Mackenzie and Bartlett Park will see the City increase its number of playgrounds rebuilt or adapted with accessible elements to 15 across the City.

“Inclusive design strongly contributes to a community of belonging for all residents,” said Lamothe. “Neighbourhood parks are all about community, and we are looking forward to creating spaces that are not only modern and inviting, but also safe, accessible and usable for more people.”