Rennie Street Park Improvements - Final Design

This is the final portion of our public consultation process, allowing us to share the final design for the Rennie Street Park Improvements.

Construction of this project is expected to begin later in September, with completion and the installation of the new equipment for the Obstacle/Challenge Focused Play Area scheduled for the Spring of 2023.

The final design builds off of the existing park features and addresses the prevalent themes that were identified throughout our public consultation, which included;

• Improve picturesque character of the park with landscaping.
• Provide a range of play elements for children, youth, adults and seniors alike.
• Maintain and enhance programming already established within the park.
• Restrain from over programming/cluttering park.
• Protect neighbouring properties.
• Provide shade.
• Provide a pathway connection to the Rennie Woodlot Trail.
• Provide seating and rest areas.

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

1. Obstacle/Fitness Challenge Area: Through the first round of public consultation there was strong interest for this area to be included in the final design. Based on the preferred play features from the second round of public consultation, we've created a comprehensive circuit of obstacle course features, offering a space where everyone can compete and challenge themselves, or simply use it for fitness. 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.

2. Multi-Court Area: The area will be concrete paving and will be fully accessible. A half basketball court has been provided as it was also well received through the consultation process. Based on the preferred line painting games from the last round of public consultation, hopscotch and longest jump will be included and combined to create an overall agility course.

3. Shade: 2 shade areas will be created, using open air shade sails. 1 triangular sail will be located near the Obstacle/Fitness Challenge and Multi-Court Area. An armourstone seat wall and grass areas will be included near the sail for seating, with views towards the nearby park features. 2 square sails will be located between the Existing Playground Area and the Existing Soccer Field. A flat grass area below will be provided as space for picnic tables and blankets in the shade.
   
   

4. Pathway: A connection between the Park and the Rachlin Woodlot Trail will be provided for a second formal access to and from the park. This limestone screenings pathway will be fully accessible. Adjustments to both existing entrances into the Rachlin Woodlot have been made to deter access and use by unauthorized motorized vehicles. Benches with arms will be placed along the trail edge offering views across the park. A fitness circuit will also be included that utilizes the benches as an exercise station. Signage will be placed next to each bench, offering a total of 24 low and high intensity exercises and stretches for users of all ages.

5. Trees: A mix of native coniferous and deciduous trees will be planted in strategic locations throughout the park. The trees planted will provide shade to users, additional buffering to adjacent properties and help to naturalize the park.
   
   

6. Existing Playground Area: The existing playground equipment will remain untouched. Currently this equipment is scheduled for replacement in the next 3-5 years. As part of this improvements project, an accessible concrete ramp into the playground area will be added as well as new safety surfacing.
   
   
7. Naturalization Area: Grass in this area will become no mow zones, allowing the landscape to naturalize and soften the edges of the park and reinforcing its picturesque character.
   
   
8. Existing Soccer Field: Irrigation and players benches will be installed to the field as part of this project.