Rediscover city parks with new accessibility

The City of Windsor wants you to step outside and rediscover the parks in your neighbourhood.

Close to 200 residents attended an open house Feb. 8 at Giovanni Caboto Club to view the $1.5 million plans to upgrade more than a dozen parks.

The capital budget will include splash pads, accessible playgrounds, trails and other upgrades.

Heidi Baillargeon, landscape architect, said city staff was on hand to gather feedback and input from the community so they can be a part of what they would like to see.

As of January 2016, full compliance will be in enforced of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

“We want to solicit what (the public) wants to see at the playground and take a look at our designs, ” said Baillargeon. She added all of the new playgrounds will be accessible.

Baillargeon said the strategy of the master plan is to rediscover city parks and what would bring the public back to the parks.

Baillargeon said park trends have been considered like Wi-Fi, world-wide gaming and exercisation.

“Parks are so important for recreation and getting out of the house and enjoying the outdoors.”

Selene Lauzon, a downtown resident, said strolling through the city park is a part of her and her Husky’s daily routine.

Lauzon said the parks are the only place where her pet can enjoy the outdoors inside the city and away from traffic.

“It’s important for everyone, dogs and families, just to get away and enjoy what we can here. It’s important to improve and invest in the parks.”

Mike Clement, manager of parks development, said the revamp will refresh the 12 parks in nine wards that will be accessible for everyone, with the goal to bring people back to the park.

He said participation from all neighbourhoods is valuable.

“I think people are getting more involved,” said Clement.  “One of the basics is to have a good inner park trail system for everyone to use.”

Michelle Arther, is a mother of two who came to support upgrades to Bridgeview Park.  She said what she learned excites her event more.

“We’re so excited to hear there is going to be a new playground in our neighbourhood because we take our kids outside of the neighbourhood to go to parks that are more toddler-friendly,” said Arther.

Arther said she was excited to see the city taking steps to beautify the parks and make them more accessible and accommodate the needs of the neighbourhood residents.

For more information about the capital budget and how park ideas can be heard visit the City of Windsor website.