City of Kitchener Parks staff supported by Dillon Consulting, are developing a Master Plan as an update to previous strategic planning for Victoria Park. This ten-year vision is helping to shape the future of the park for its users. It allows for the community to provide feedback which will inform a set of recommendations. It is not a plan for a full re-design of the park, rather a plan to support maintenance and upgrades on a smaller scale.
The process is taking place in three phases: phase one which has been completed and included an inventory assessment, data collection and analysis has been completed; phase two, engaging the community and envisioning, which is currently happening and the third phase will be the actual masterplan development.
Highlights from phase one findings include the need for accessible seating provisions, pathway repairs and widening, cohesive family site furnishings, improved wayfinding signage and recognizing areas with lighting gaps,
Staff from the project team asked committee members for their input in identifying opportunities and challenges through a public art lens. They asked committee members to consider the four main themes explored in the Plan: connectivity, growth, natural systems and community.
Member feedback included:
- potential for quicker turnaround for permits
- potential for future pedestrianization of Jubilee Drive
- wayfinding is a challenge starting from the ION stops
- wider pathways are desirable
- intersection at David Street has unsafe visibility lines for cyclists
- identifying more opportunities for art installations/placemaking, pollinator gardens and a permanent site that could facilitate easier temporary art installation, such as a dedicated pad or a wall
- placemaking: pockets/groupings of seating are desirable
- site furnishings with more functionality and aesthetic appeal potentially resulting from artistic intervention
- using more areas of the Park, especially the back areas, for intimate event hosting
The city is also conducting separate processes apart from this Master Plan to more deeply explore siting a permanent Indigenous space and an installation to balance the ongoing presence of the Queen Victoria statue.
Members can visit engagewer.ca/victoriaparkmp to learn more.