Gellert Community Park Expansion

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The Recreation & Parks Department is designing Gellert Community Park and thanks you for your input!

We've concluded two rounds of public consultation:

Round 1: Providing feedback on 3 park concepts in order to develop a preferred concept.

Round 2: Providing feedback on a preferred concept, plus public art and programming suggestions for the park.


WHAT'S NEXT

Town staff will review public consultation feedback along with technical requirements, input from the Town staff project team, previously approved studies, and key stakeholder input and work to finalize the concept design. This will be presented to Town Council and shared with the public this fall.


BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Gellert Community Park was constructed in 1999 and the Town purchased land to the south, fronting Danby Road in 2016. The Town is working an expansion project to increase the useable area of the park, add new features, and identify opportunities to enhance the existing park.

Located between Danby Road, Norval United Church and the existing Gellert Community Park, the Town will be developing the area into high quality community parkland. The expanded park land is needed to serve the existing population in the surrounding community which has grown significantly in recent years, and will also be important to serve new residents in the Vision Georgetown Secondary Plan area.

Based on the first round of consultation, feedback on the three concepts has been developed into a single preferred concept. Please view the video below and documents attached to see details on the preferred concept. Please complete the survey below to provide feedback on the concept.


ROUND 1: 3 Concepts Consultation Summary

Below is a summary of the first round of consultation. The full survey summary charts can be viewed as a .pdf file the document library.

Overall Response:

There were over 3700 visits to LTHH project page, 322 survey responses, and approximately 40 people attended public meeting. The Town consulted with 5 stakeholder groups representing sport or community groups.

Key preferred themes from the consultation included:

-Strong representation from families with multiple children

-majority of respondents identified as living within Gellert Community Park neighbourhood

-preference towards green space vs. paved areas

-importance of providing passive unprogrammed green space for everyone

-looped walking pathways

-natural playground elements

-court sports of pickleball, tennis and basketball very important

-importance of shade paired with activities

-sports groups desire for year round play (domed facility)

-courtyard patio space vibrant and active

-desire for refrigerated skating loop


PREFERRED CONCEPT DESIGN

The preferred concept design was developed using public feedback from the first round of consultation, technical committee input and using the overall design principles.

The main focus of this preferred concept is to confirm the primary elements to be included in the park expansion as it moves into the detailed design phase. Minor changes to final location and configuration may still occur during the detail design phase based on additional refined information and public feedback on the preferred concept.

There is limited space available for the park expansion, and all of the features desired by stakeholders and the general public are not able to be included at the Gellert Community Park site.

The preferred concept is centred on a primary central pathway connecting from Danby Road to the Gellert Community Centre. The existing full size soccer field is being relocated, to provide space for parking for the new park amenities and future community centre expansion. The relocated natural turf major soccer field (lit/irrigated) is proposed to be constructed centrally within the park expansion lands, and is a primary factor in the rest of the layout of the preferred concept.

Additional active sport features include: 4 dedicated lit public pickleball courts, lit multi-purpose courts located within the park and also in a new plaza space beside the community centre, 2 lit public tennis courts adjacent to the existing tennis courts, and an asphalt pump track in the existing park area.

The plaza space by the existing main building entrance will provide opportunities for socializing, drop/off pickup and includes a basketball court to complement the existing skatepark. The multi-court within the plaza can also offer a variety of programming opportunities and pairing with the community centre.

To connect the new park features, new looped lit pathways surround an open lawn/event green and will connect to the existing pathway network and neighbouring communities. Additional parking is included in a parking lot off Danby Road.

Located along the pathway network will be additional amenities for individual or general public use including: 2 areas with fitness equipment , a main pavilion/performance node a new playground area including natural elements, and an allotment garden along the Danby Road frontage.

Throughout the new and existing park, additional seating and shade features are proposed: 3 picnic shelters paired with park features and shade sails around the existing splashpad.

In the open lawn/event green area a refrigerated skating loop and washroom/mechanical building create a vibrant activity area for all seasons.

Generous berming and buffer planting is provided along neighbouring residential properties to ensure minimal impacts of new park features.

Other park amenities (benches, drinking fountains, bike racks, etc.) would be incorporated into the detailed design.

The overall preferred concept provides a mix of active sport activities, passive and active green spaces, and a wide variety of new park amenities for use by the public. The park development will support many of the types of activities contemplated for the building expansion in the future, and provide the community with expanded recreation opportunities at the park.


DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Inclusive & Vibrant

Parks are for everyone! Ensure that there are opportunities for all to feel comfortable spending time in the park and have diverse activities to support physical and mental wellness.

Sensitive to Context

The park is surrounded by residential, institutional, and future residential development, as well as open spaces and major arterial roads. Ensure pathway connections, walkability, enhanced buffering and compatibility of uses. Maintains and enhances existing park uses and social well-being.

Responds to Established Needs

Include uses identified from previous studies (Recreation & Parks Strategic Action Plan, Georgetown Action Sports Needs Assessment, Court Sports Strategy). Includes consideration for features currently being reviewed (Outdoor Ice Strategy).

Sustainable & Resilient

Utilize best practices and methods to limit environmental impacts, manage stormwater, and optimize buildings and parks.

Adaptable

Respond to current trends and future needs. Look for opportunities for enhancement within existing park and expansion lands. Campus approach to connect to existing park and future community centre building as well as phasing of features during initial park development.

Maintainable

Ensure park functions well for years to come! Design park to be maintainable by Town staff to appropriate level of service throughout four seasons with sustainable ongoing operating budgets.


GELLERT COMMUNITY CENTRE BUILDING EXPANSION

This project is focused on the park development, but also shows the future community centre expansion for context. The Town carried out a feasibility study for the expansion in 2019 with CS&P Architects. The building design was based on the Recreation & Parks Strategic Action Plan (2007) and public input and contains a triple gym, walking track, seniors and youth space, multi-purpose rooms, changerooms and washrooms. The feasibility study preliminary design was confirmed as part of the Town's 2020 Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan, which included public consultation.

The Town's Capital Budget Forecast contemplates design of the facility starting in 2026 and construction in 2028. Portions of the park expansion and parking lot will be phased to avoid features being constructed that would impede or conflict with the future building expansion. Funding remains subject to the Town's Long Range Financial Plan and timing may be updated in the future.


PARK FUNDING & CONSTRUCTION

Funding for the Construction of the Park has been identified in the 2024 Capital Forecast, subject to the final preferred design being evaluated for detailed capital and ongoing annual operating costs. Overall budgetary pressure and impacts of Bill 23 will be reviewed as part of the Town’s Long Range Financial Plan and Council’s Strategic Plan, and may affect the final timing of implementation. Pending capital budget approval in 2024, the first phase of the park construction is planned to begin in late 2024. This phase of the design process is critical to refine the park concepts so that final budget and financial planning can occur.

The Recreation & Parks Department is designing Gellert Community Park and thanks you for your input!

We've concluded two rounds of public consultation:

Round 1: Providing feedback on 3 park concepts in order to develop a preferred concept.

Round 2: Providing feedback on a preferred concept, plus public art and programming suggestions for the park.


WHAT'S NEXT

Town staff will review public consultation feedback along with technical requirements, input from the Town staff project team, previously approved studies, and key stakeholder input and work to finalize the concept design. This will be presented to Town Council and shared with the public this fall.


BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Gellert Community Park was constructed in 1999 and the Town purchased land to the south, fronting Danby Road in 2016. The Town is working an expansion project to increase the useable area of the park, add new features, and identify opportunities to enhance the existing park.

Located between Danby Road, Norval United Church and the existing Gellert Community Park, the Town will be developing the area into high quality community parkland. The expanded park land is needed to serve the existing population in the surrounding community which has grown significantly in recent years, and will also be important to serve new residents in the Vision Georgetown Secondary Plan area.

Based on the first round of consultation, feedback on the three concepts has been developed into a single preferred concept. Please view the video below and documents attached to see details on the preferred concept. Please complete the survey below to provide feedback on the concept.


ROUND 1: 3 Concepts Consultation Summary

Below is a summary of the first round of consultation. The full survey summary charts can be viewed as a .pdf file the document library.

Overall Response:

There were over 3700 visits to LTHH project page, 322 survey responses, and approximately 40 people attended public meeting. The Town consulted with 5 stakeholder groups representing sport or community groups.

Key preferred themes from the consultation included:

-Strong representation from families with multiple children

-majority of respondents identified as living within Gellert Community Park neighbourhood

-preference towards green space vs. paved areas

-importance of providing passive unprogrammed green space for everyone

-looped walking pathways

-natural playground elements

-court sports of pickleball, tennis and basketball very important

-importance of shade paired with activities

-sports groups desire for year round play (domed facility)

-courtyard patio space vibrant and active

-desire for refrigerated skating loop


PREFERRED CONCEPT DESIGN

The preferred concept design was developed using public feedback from the first round of consultation, technical committee input and using the overall design principles.

The main focus of this preferred concept is to confirm the primary elements to be included in the park expansion as it moves into the detailed design phase. Minor changes to final location and configuration may still occur during the detail design phase based on additional refined information and public feedback on the preferred concept.

There is limited space available for the park expansion, and all of the features desired by stakeholders and the general public are not able to be included at the Gellert Community Park site.

The preferred concept is centred on a primary central pathway connecting from Danby Road to the Gellert Community Centre. The existing full size soccer field is being relocated, to provide space for parking for the new park amenities and future community centre expansion. The relocated natural turf major soccer field (lit/irrigated) is proposed to be constructed centrally within the park expansion lands, and is a primary factor in the rest of the layout of the preferred concept.

Additional active sport features include: 4 dedicated lit public pickleball courts, lit multi-purpose courts located within the park and also in a new plaza space beside the community centre, 2 lit public tennis courts adjacent to the existing tennis courts, and an asphalt pump track in the existing park area.

The plaza space by the existing main building entrance will provide opportunities for socializing, drop/off pickup and includes a basketball court to complement the existing skatepark. The multi-court within the plaza can also offer a variety of programming opportunities and pairing with the community centre.

To connect the new park features, new looped lit pathways surround an open lawn/event green and will connect to the existing pathway network and neighbouring communities. Additional parking is included in a parking lot off Danby Road.

Located along the pathway network will be additional amenities for individual or general public use including: 2 areas with fitness equipment , a main pavilion/performance node a new playground area including natural elements, and an allotment garden along the Danby Road frontage.

Throughout the new and existing park, additional seating and shade features are proposed: 3 picnic shelters paired with park features and shade sails around the existing splashpad.

In the open lawn/event green area a refrigerated skating loop and washroom/mechanical building create a vibrant activity area for all seasons.

Generous berming and buffer planting is provided along neighbouring residential properties to ensure minimal impacts of new park features.

Other park amenities (benches, drinking fountains, bike racks, etc.) would be incorporated into the detailed design.

The overall preferred concept provides a mix of active sport activities, passive and active green spaces, and a wide variety of new park amenities for use by the public. The park development will support many of the types of activities contemplated for the building expansion in the future, and provide the community with expanded recreation opportunities at the park.


DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Inclusive & Vibrant

Parks are for everyone! Ensure that there are opportunities for all to feel comfortable spending time in the park and have diverse activities to support physical and mental wellness.

Sensitive to Context

The park is surrounded by residential, institutional, and future residential development, as well as open spaces and major arterial roads. Ensure pathway connections, walkability, enhanced buffering and compatibility of uses. Maintains and enhances existing park uses and social well-being.

Responds to Established Needs

Include uses identified from previous studies (Recreation & Parks Strategic Action Plan, Georgetown Action Sports Needs Assessment, Court Sports Strategy). Includes consideration for features currently being reviewed (Outdoor Ice Strategy).

Sustainable & Resilient

Utilize best practices and methods to limit environmental impacts, manage stormwater, and optimize buildings and parks.

Adaptable

Respond to current trends and future needs. Look for opportunities for enhancement within existing park and expansion lands. Campus approach to connect to existing park and future community centre building as well as phasing of features during initial park development.

Maintainable

Ensure park functions well for years to come! Design park to be maintainable by Town staff to appropriate level of service throughout four seasons with sustainable ongoing operating budgets.


GELLERT COMMUNITY CENTRE BUILDING EXPANSION

This project is focused on the park development, but also shows the future community centre expansion for context. The Town carried out a feasibility study for the expansion in 2019 with CS&P Architects. The building design was based on the Recreation & Parks Strategic Action Plan (2007) and public input and contains a triple gym, walking track, seniors and youth space, multi-purpose rooms, changerooms and washrooms. The feasibility study preliminary design was confirmed as part of the Town's 2020 Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan, which included public consultation.

The Town's Capital Budget Forecast contemplates design of the facility starting in 2026 and construction in 2028. Portions of the park expansion and parking lot will be phased to avoid features being constructed that would impede or conflict with the future building expansion. Funding remains subject to the Town's Long Range Financial Plan and timing may be updated in the future.


PARK FUNDING & CONSTRUCTION

Funding for the Construction of the Park has been identified in the 2024 Capital Forecast, subject to the final preferred design being evaluated for detailed capital and ongoing annual operating costs. Overall budgetary pressure and impacts of Bill 23 will be reviewed as part of the Town’s Long Range Financial Plan and Council’s Strategic Plan, and may affect the final timing of implementation. Pending capital budget approval in 2024, the first phase of the park construction is planned to begin in late 2024. This phase of the design process is critical to refine the park concepts so that final budget and financial planning can occur.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded. Please contact Mark Taylor if you have further feedback to provide. Town staff will be reviewing and creating a final concept that will be presented to Council this fall.

    Gellert Park Expansion - Preferred Concept Survey

    A preferred concept has been developed based on feedback from the first round of consultation, technical committee input and using the overall design principles.  This is your opportunity to let us know if we are on the right track, if changes are needed and how we can make this park design even better.

    Input received through this survey will be considered along with technical requirements, input from the Town staff project team, previously approved studies and key stakeholder input to create a final concept  

    Refer to the video on the main page with the detailed explanation of the preferred concept.   High resolution versions can be downloaded from the documents area on the right hand side of the main page.

    This survey is available until September 7, 2023


    Take Survey
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