Feedback from the first round of consultation provided direction to go with a park design that emphasizes natural features and materials, to blend with the surrounding neighbourhood character and natural areas.
The preferred concept design includes a natural style playground with log, rope and rock climbers. Limestone screenings pathways that are lined with trees. A large open lawn area and also generous planted naturalization areas that will be full of native species and pollinator and bird friendly. Fitness equipment is featured along one of the main pathways and the rock escarpment and mature cedar trees of the site are featured along another Bruce Trail style footpath. A picnic shelter is proposed that has a cedar roof over metal structure and stone columns that will use local material to reflect the masonry of the local lime kilns. The existing parking lot will remain and have a bicycle repair station nearby as well as portable toilet and new historical interpretive and wayfinding signage using the existing wooden kiosk. Art is planned to be incorporated into the park through functional seating feature(s). This will be acquired through an artist call for proposals. Fencing in select areas of the park is proposed to be post and wire, visually minimalistic and blend into the surroundings while providing a safety barrier from the railway and ravine slope. The large boulders are proposed to be used throughout the site in a number of ways including playground features, accents beside the pathways and in the fitness equipment area. A few picnic tables and bench seating will be included in strategic spots through the park to encourage spending time in the park and enjoying the surroundings. Please review the Preferred Concept and provide feedback through the direct questions below and also general feedback. Your feedback will inform the final design of the park!
