Shape the Future of Brubacher Green!
This project is now complete. If you have any questions about this project moving forward, please email BrubacherGreen@kitchener.ca or call 519-741-2345 (TTY: 1-866-969-9994) and ask for the Parks division.
Brubacher Green is a small urban neighbourhood park that is actively used by the local community. The City is planning updates to this park to better support the function of the space for all park users. Consultants from SHIFT Landscape Architecture have been engaged to lead the redevelopment of this park including conceptual design, final design, and taking the project through to construction completion. Through the summer of 2021, the design team engaged with the public to understand how the park serves the community and to guide the design. As a starting point for discussion, two concepts were presented to show what was possible in the space. After hearing feedback in person and online, and looking at what is needed to bring the park up to current standards, a final, refined concept has been developed. Below, we are excited to reveal the final concept for Brubacher Green. Please review the plan along with an overview video, below. More information can also be found through the links on this page, including timelines for next steps, additional documents, and a summary of engagement input. Click image to open. |
Brubacher Green is a small urban neighbourhood park that is actively used by the local community. The City is planning updates to this park to better support the function of the space for all park users. Consultants from SHIFT Landscape Architecture have been engaged to lead the redevelopment of this park including conceptual design, final design, and taking the project through to construction completion. Through the summer of 2021, the design team engaged with the public to understand how the park serves the community and to guide the design. As a starting point for discussion, two concepts were presented to show what was possible in the space. After hearing feedback in person and online, and looking at what is needed to bring the park up to current standards, a final, refined concept has been developed. Below, we are excited to reveal the final concept for Brubacher Green. Please review the plan along with an overview video, below. More information can also be found through the links on this page, including timelines for next steps, additional documents, and a summary of engagement input. Click image to open. |
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Preliminary Concept 1: The Community Backyard
over 2 years agoCLOSED: We are no longer accepting contributions to this ideas board.Taking a cue from the surrounding residences and front porch culture in the neighbourhood, this concept includes a "porch" entry with bench seating, little library and message board, a small nature exploration area, painted games, stepping stones through planting areas, and concrete "deck" at grade with individual seating at the rear of the park. A small sand play area with toy storage is at the rear of the park.
Please note this is an example concept only and the final concept will be developed based on feedback from the community and what is possible in the park.
Have any thoughts, questions or ideas about "The Community Backyard" concept for Brubacher Green? Submit them here! Feel free to include stories, images or inspiration photos with your post.Eli Gover 2 years agoI like the ideas here. I would love to see the harvest table added to it. The swings has always been a favourite. Too many cats for sand.
0 comment2Amanda1515over 2 years agoNo concrete
Putting concrete in a park is insane. You talk about liability issues with kids falling on toys off play structures. What happens when they fall on cement in a space that is supposed to be safe. This park is so unique and well loved as it give every age the ability to play. Whether you crawl or walk. Please don’t touch it
0 comment4Tom S.over 2 years agoFacilities to park and lock one's bicycle
0 comment0Amanda Lover 2 years agoTo the current park, fix the disability swing and add seating in the shade for parents. Bike rack.
Minor changes to current
0 comment0⬆️Camp Level Up⬆️over 2 years agoWe are a social justice kids camp in Central Fredrick. We love this climber at HNA because it is great for climbing and for imaginary play.
And it reminds us to protect the environment.
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Preliminary Concept 2: Hello Neighbour!
over 2 years agoCLOSED: We are no longer accepting contributions to this ideas board.This concept shows a textured "welcome mat" entrance, gathering area with a community table, painted games, individual seating, bench seating, small play area, loop track and perimeter planting.
Please note this is an example concept only and the final concept will be developed based on feedback from the community and what is possible in the park.
Have any thoughts, questions or ideas about the "Hello Neighbour!" concept for Brubacher Green? Submit them here! Feel free to include stories, images or inspiration photos with your post.
emilyvrover 2 years agoKeep swings, climber and toys. Reduce hard surfaces.
Our family uses this park frequently even though we have other parks that are significantly closer. The current set up with a climber, swings, wood chip surface (MUCH cleaner than sand) and lots of interesting toys to play with make this park a favourite for our family. That said, if the park is to be reconstructed, I prefer this option since it allows for an area for typical climbing equipment. The climber could be constructed using more natural materials (like an earthscape playground) but climbers with a slide (and swings!!) should be included in the park. Increasing the amount of soft surfaces like wood chips and grass and reducing concrete and asphalt is preferred. A softer smooth rubber surface (similar to Victoria park playground) would be better than asphalt. The park needs more shade so trees need to be planted or another type of shade structure like a pergola. GORDON GREEN NEEDS TO BE UPDATED WAAAAAAY MORE THAN BRUBACHER GREEN!
0 comment5laurae21over 2 years agoWhen designing the space, keep in mind what children/families appreciate/love about the current park.
I am an avid user of this park (multiple times weekly) with my 2 children. What we like about the current park set up is the play structure that includes something to climb and a slide as well as the swings. What is also unique about the park is the abundance of toys (that have been donated/left) which ALL children at the park play with actively. The newer base of woodchips is appreciated over the previous base of sand. I understand that the park is not shiny or new and the presence of random toys can seem to be an eyesore – but this is part its character/charm and one of the reasons our family loves the current set up. In terms of a new design, a play structure with something to climb, a slide, and swings are a must. Concrete and pavement should be avoided at all costs – the park is close enough to sidewalks and driveways and those types of materials heat up so quickly in the summer. Grass and woodchips would be a more appropriate base. More trees should be planted since a number of trees were taken down eliminating shade. A new shade structure such as a pergola or gazebo would be nice. Seating such a harvest table or picnic table would be great. If landscaping with plants/flowers are included – you must keep in mind that children run around and play in the space so there is a good chance they will be trampled on – so whatever landscaping is included it must be child friendly. There is a lot of potential to freshen up the current park space. I think it is important to keep in mind how children currently use the space and what parents appreciate about the current space. I hope the designers are willing to listen to the community of children and families that use the space and incorporate these ideas into whatever “concept” is chosen. As it stands, I feel the current “concept” proposals have a way to go before they meet the needs of the community.
4 comments8laurae21over 2 years agoKeep the current play equipment (which was fundraised for by the neighbourhood)!
It would be a shame to remove and replace the current play equipment that is in great shape (perhaps the accessible swing could be repaired). This equipment was fundraised for by the neighbourhood. In a time when we should be conscious of unnecessary waste (for the environment) and spending - it seems irresponsible to do this.
0 comment1Paul Stephensover 2 years agoLeave the park as is. There is a play structure, swings and other toys. These existing elements are used all the time by dozens of families
The proposed elements do not include any actual play elements for children. How does this constitute a park?
4 comments10Stcmcdover 2 years agoSeating and shade.
This park unlike some others in town is used very frequently by all the kids in the neighborhood. Usually that’s a good sign that it is being enjoyed the way it is, maybe just a few upgrades. Keep a play structure and swings. No painted games. As a parent I would love more seating and shade.
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Lifecycle
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Project Launch & Preliminary Ideas
Shape the Future of Brubacher Green! has finished this stageShare your input with the team on the two concepts presented for Brubacher Green (until August 22, 2021)
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Under review
Shape the Future of Brubacher Green! has finished this stageContributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review. The project team will prepare final concept.
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Final concept
Shape the Future of Brubacher Green! has finished this stageBased on feedback a final concept will be presented
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Tender and construction
Shape the Future of Brubacher Green! has finished this stageConstruction is anticipated to start in spring 2022
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Construction underway
Shape the Future of Brubacher Green! has finished this stageConstruction is now underway on this park
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Construction finished
Shape the Future of Brubacher Green! is currently at this stageThis project is now complete
FAQs
- Why is Brubacher Green under construction?
- Why has the concrete curb been poured and removed several times?
- Why does the play area have a concrete curb around it?
- When will Brubacher Green re-open?
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Demographic Questions FAQ
- Why are we collecting socio-demographic data?
- Why are you asking me about my sexual orientation, gender identity or race?
- Why are you asking me about my place of birth?
- Why do you need to know how much money I earn? Do you report this to any agency?
- Are you allowed to ask me these questions?
- What are you going to do with my information?
- Who can see my information?
- Do I have to participate?
- What if there are questions that I don’t want to answer?