Moya Johnson Parkette - Final Design

This is the final portion of our public consultation process, allowing us to share the final design for Moya Johnson Parkette.

Construction of this project will begin in August, with completion expected for the spring of 2024.

The final design addresses the prevalent themes that were identified throughout our public consultation, which included;

• Set active park uses away from the street edges and buffer the parkette from vehicular traffic.
• Create a meaningful space for public use that has unique element/features to encourage use.
• Enhance picturesque character and ecology of the creek and ravine area.
• Provide unprogrammed open space.
• Avoid over programming/cluttering park or too much paving area.
• Provide shade.

Below are additional details on the main features included in the final design:

1. Play Area: Through the first round of public consultation there was strong interest for an active area to be included within the parkette. Based on the preference for playground elements from the second round of public consultation, we've designed an accessible playground structure that balances the needs of toddler, junior, and senior users. The surfacing for this area will be engineered wood fiber which is the Town standard and meets CSA safety requirements for fall height and accessibility. An accessible ramp will be included for access into this area. The play area will be surrounded predominately with concrete curb along with sections armour stone and wooden posts. The armour stone and wooden posts will be arranged to provide seating as well as create informal play opportunities.

2. Shelter: This feature has been centrally located, creating a focal point within the parkette, facing towards the play area. Based on the preference for a shade sail, the shelter will have a unique architectural form providing shade for users at the play area.

3. Seating: Based on the preference for chairs and loungers, comfortable seating has been grouped around the shelter and play area. We also received requests for informal seating options which will be provided by armour stone which line the shelter and play area. The range of seating will allow park users to choose to sit in the sun of shade throughout the day.

4. Pathway: A fully accessible concrete pathway will be provided into the parkette, linking the existing sidewalk along Mill Street and the play area. Solar powered bollards will provide lighting along the pathway when needed during park hours. A high quality waste receptacle will also be provided along the pathway.

5. Berm & Accent Planting Area: The edges of the parkette along McNabb Street will be buffered and protected by creating a low level berm. Armour stone will be woven into the berm, creating a defined and secure edge to the parkette along McNabb Street. A mix of native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers will be planted to soften this area and allowing it to naturalize, offering a range colour and seasonal interest. Smaller flowering trees planted will provide additional buffering to adjacent properties.

6. Buffer & Accent Planting Area:This area is subject to a conservation setback, which limits development, due to the sites proximity to Silver Creek and the ravine. The focus for this area is to increase local biodiversity and to strengthen the creek buffer by filling existing gaps with plantings. Planting in this area will be similar to what is proposed along McNabb Street, a mix of native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers.
7. Grass Area: This flat grass area will serve as a flexible, unprogrammed open space where people can relax, picnic or play. Large canopy trees will be planted in this area, providing shade and giving the parkette a formal presence along Mill Street.