Places and Spaces: Kitchener's park and open space strategy
In Kitchener, we know parks aren’t just important – they’re essential. Parks are more than the sum of their parts. They are extensions of the communities they are placed in and contribute significantly to the community’s identity and individuals’ connections within it. Whether you use parks to gather, unwind, exercise, socialize, play, or celebrate, we want to hear from you. Let us know what a great park means to you!
Places and Spaces is an update to the existing Parks Strategic Plan adopted by City Council in 2010. It is the recasting of the parks plan to better reflect current demands of park space. It will re-evaluate all aspects of parks delivery in Kitchener down to the fundamental level - what makes a quality park in Kitchener?
The purpose of this strategy is to:
- Re-affirm Kitchener’s vision and commitment to building and maintaining public parks
- Provide multiple guiding principles and policy themes to inform future park development
- Modernize the process of park acquisitions
There are two core focuses for this strategy:
Places: the vision of parks in Kitchener. Places focuses on the quality of our parks for placemaking and creating diverse and functional spaces. Places will explore a wide range of themes, including principles of design (equity, accessibility), environmental (habitat, stormwater and climate change), and specific infrastructure planning (playgrounds, sportsfields, dog parks).
Spaces: explores the quantity of parks in Kitchener, and parks context within the City. It will detail Kitchener’s current inventory, look at the definitions of park space, determine the amount of park space we need and where, and provide or update the tools in which we acquire those spaces.
Please read the Foundations document, which outlines the Parks Strategic Plan update process, its structure and guiding principles.
We want to hear from you!
We are engaging residents to better understand how parks are used, what barriers exist to using parks, and what you value most about parks. Guiding documents, created with the data collected from these engagements, will help shape more inclusive and all-welcoming Kitchener parks.
Subscribe for updates by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page, then click 'Subscribe'.
In Kitchener, we know parks aren’t just important – they’re essential. Parks are more than the sum of their parts. They are extensions of the communities they are placed in and contribute significantly to the community’s identity and individuals’ connections within it. Whether you use parks to gather, unwind, exercise, socialize, play, or celebrate, we want to hear from you. Let us know what a great park means to you!
Places and Spaces is an update to the existing Parks Strategic Plan adopted by City Council in 2010. It is the recasting of the parks plan to better reflect current demands of park space. It will re-evaluate all aspects of parks delivery in Kitchener down to the fundamental level - what makes a quality park in Kitchener?
The purpose of this strategy is to:
- Re-affirm Kitchener’s vision and commitment to building and maintaining public parks
- Provide multiple guiding principles and policy themes to inform future park development
- Modernize the process of park acquisitions
There are two core focuses for this strategy:
Places: the vision of parks in Kitchener. Places focuses on the quality of our parks for placemaking and creating diverse and functional spaces. Places will explore a wide range of themes, including principles of design (equity, accessibility), environmental (habitat, stormwater and climate change), and specific infrastructure planning (playgrounds, sportsfields, dog parks).
Spaces: explores the quantity of parks in Kitchener, and parks context within the City. It will detail Kitchener’s current inventory, look at the definitions of park space, determine the amount of park space we need and where, and provide or update the tools in which we acquire those spaces.
Please read the Foundations document, which outlines the Parks Strategic Plan update process, its structure and guiding principles.
We want to hear from you!
We are engaging residents to better understand how parks are used, what barriers exist to using parks, and what you value most about parks. Guiding documents, created with the data collected from these engagements, will help shape more inclusive and all-welcoming Kitchener parks.
Subscribe for updates by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page, then click 'Subscribe'.
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Share What alternative sports and recreation do you want to do? on Facebook Share What alternative sports and recreation do you want to do? on Twitter Share What alternative sports and recreation do you want to do? on Linkedin Email What alternative sports and recreation do you want to do? link
What alternative sports and recreation do you want to do?
about 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Alternative sports, sometimes called “action sports”, are not as common as conventional sports and often challenge traditional sporting practice. These types of sports typically do not have formal organizations or leagues and are sometimes related to a particular subculture. Some examples include: skateboarding, BMX, disc golf, roller skating, parkour, ultimate frisbee, and outdoor exercise equipment.
We’d like to hear your ideas for unconventional or alternative sports and recreation that we could consider making space for in Kitchener parks. Tell us:
- What alternative sports and recreation would you want to do in Kitchener parks that you can’t do now?
- What infrastructure or support would you need to be able to do this?
Share your ideas and heart the ones you like or agree with!
To protect your privacy, please do not include your last name in your username.
Please check out our surveys on other parks topics.
Z. Macabout 1 year agoMulti-sport Courts
Take advantage of multi use courts by providing places to learn and play a variety of sports. Not just tennis or basketball court. 1 large court space can allow for multiple sports to be played at once. Ball hockey, basketball, street soccer, pickle ball, even small games like 4 square or hop skotch.
0 comment11Chris M.about 1 year agoDog Agility
There are very few spaces for dogs in general, and none for structured activities. Dog agility training is great exercise for both people and their pets.
0 comment8Aniabout 1 year agoOutdoor chess tables.
Every park should have 4 chess tables to bring community together.
1 comment6CraigHabout 1 year agoDisc Golf
0 comment1bwrabout 1 year agoKitchener needs to provide dedicated Pickleball courts for all ages to access now!
Kitchener's website is misleading as it indicates that more Pickleball courts would be added in 2022 and they're still not available. Hard to find current info and access online. Kitchener needs dedicated Pickleball courts now. Kitchener is far behind much smaller towns with less budget dollars that have provided PB courts for their citizens. (ie Midland and Penetang, ON) Pickleball is the fastest growing sport for all ages - not just seniors. It is very disappointing that Kitchener's Parks & Rec don't have plans to add more courts quickly and they won't even add painted lines on existing tennis courts. (and maintain those older courts.) Community development should include providing both Indoor and Outdoor courts.
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Share How would you like to play in Kitchener parks? on Facebook Share How would you like to play in Kitchener parks? on Twitter Share How would you like to play in Kitchener parks? on Linkedin Email How would you like to play in Kitchener parks? link
How would you like to play in Kitchener parks?
about 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Are there ways you or your family would like play in Kitchener parks, but currently can’t? Like what?
For example, are there any sports or table top games you or your family would like to play in Kitchener parks, but currently can’t?
Share your ideas below and "heart" the ones you agree with!
This board closes Jan. 13, 2022.
Dog Parkover 1 year agoA Dog Park
There is no place in downtown Kitchener where you can let your dog run free and interact with other dogs. A section of Victoria Park could be set aside for a dog park.
0 comment0Dupliciousover 1 year agoTrees and landscape features in the Aud dog park
0 comment3sarah.hover 1 year agoNatural play structures
0 comment2Jiteshover 1 year agoSmall Gym
Hey i wish in park there were small gyms for being active and working out in nature if weights would be there it would be Cherry on the cake
0 comment0QTPa2Tover 1 year agoPark Spaces in Newer Neighbourhoods
Would like to see the green spaces in new neighbourhoods developed faster... takes years for them to be built while the families in those neighbourhoods have to travel further for just basic play space
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Share How might we create spaces where adults and older youth can play? on Facebook Share How might we create spaces where adults and older youth can play? on Twitter Share How might we create spaces where adults and older youth can play? on Linkedin Email How might we create spaces where adults and older youth can play? link
How might we create spaces where adults and older youth can play?
about 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Play is something that all park users – young and old can experience! How can we create spaces where adults and older youth can play?
Share your ideas below and "heart" the ones you agree with!
This board closes Jan. 13, 2022.
CDinover 1 year agoRock climbing boulders, skateboard mini ramps, chess,
0 comment2Gpa Bearover 1 year agoI would like to see more notifications on events posted. On one common site and how to be more involved & posted at the main park enterances
Event Postings
0 comment6Arminalmost 2 years agoChange the giant parking lot at Union and Park into a city park.
Located right next to Grand River Hospital, this could be the new Midtown Park. Following European examples of park spaces by adding cafes and bars as well as open areas for activities this can become a new bustling space right between uptown and downtown. P.S. If car parking is still needed in that area it can be put underground.
3 comments10Elizabeth-Mover 1 year agoLooped skating rink or forest skating trail
Rapidly growing in popularity, great for all ages,great tourist attraction, great excercise
0 comment4LD33over 1 year agoBetter communication
Spaces and infrastructure should be actively publicised in a way that supports their use by the most vulnerable families, through targeted events programming and well-designed communications, as well as engagement campaigns and other strategies to improve awareness and access
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Share How can we create park spaces that support community gathering and growth? on Facebook Share How can we create park spaces that support community gathering and growth? on Twitter Share How can we create park spaces that support community gathering and growth? on Linkedin Email How can we create park spaces that support community gathering and growth? linkCLOSED: This ideas board has concluded.
Do Kitchener’s parks allow for community building? Why or why not? What can we do to help create spaces that support community gathering and growth?
Share your ideas and 'heart' the other ones you like.
This board closes October 31, 2022.
Dccccalmost 2 years agoDinison Park Needs more added to it.
Dinison park is so small and overcrowded for all the families that live near by. There is Tons of space to add more equipment.
0 comment0Chr8109almost 2 years agoShade and picnic benches
Would be nice to have shady areas for dogs and people in the park McLennan dog park ! It’s too hot to be there but would be fine in the shade. As someone who works remote a picnic bench would allow me to work outside while I let my dog play outside. Also other dog parks should have water and seating as well.
0 comment2Christinaalmost 2 years agobenches and shade for users, less open grass areas
It would be nice to see more parks in the City with more shade features/naturalized gardens with pathways/trees and park benches throughout. Idlewood Park as an example has 1 bench in full sun by the playground. It makes it almost unbearable at times to sit and enjoy the park while kids play. There is also so much open, full sun grassy areas that need to be maintained/cut and are currently extremely under used. They don't encourage people to go and enjoy the park, take a picnic etc. Eby Park as another example has a large grass area beside the soccer field that's completely unused. Thinking of better ways to use these empty space areas within parks might make them more useable for more people (ie. encourage biodiversity with gardens, more trees, benches, pathways, dog park etc)
0 comment2DavidEhabout 2 years agoShelters & Tables
Parks that have shelter space really help encourage gathering together as community and families. While our most popular parks have these sort of investments many other middle sized parks do not.
0 comment14r@almost 2 years agoI would love to see parks & spaces serve teens better.
I would love to see parks & spaces serve teens better. Growing up in KW it was common to hangout at the local plaza parking lot and that has not changed much from my recent drive (Ottawa & River Rd). How can we create parks and spaces to also meet the teenager demographic ? Maybe its building spaces within the local plaza, where teens can meetup and collaborate (eg. create digital media content together, work on projects together, get a chance to be social apart from organized sports). I found growing up in KW, parks are well suited for children but not so much for teens unless it was a sports complex that not everyone had access to (either the complex was too far or was meant for organized sports). I think the Region can be innovative here to provide more accessible space for teens that are ideally walking distance away. In the suburban areas, the closest thing by foot is typically a school, church or... the local plaza :) Please share your ideas on this topic too.
1 comment4 -
Share What can we do to help foster belonging in Kitchener parks? on Facebook Share What can we do to help foster belonging in Kitchener parks? on Twitter Share What can we do to help foster belonging in Kitchener parks? on Linkedin Email What can we do to help foster belonging in Kitchener parks? link
What can we do to help foster belonging in Kitchener parks?
about 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas board has concluded.Are Kitchener’s parks welcoming? Why, why not? What can we do to help foster belonging in Kitchener parks for you, your loved ones, and community? Share your ideas with us and 'heart' the ideas you like.
Mahwishalmost 2 years agoLooking forward for more parks with nets for basketball, cricket and badminton.Not everyone can afford to get to paid nets everyday to get h
1 comment2Jbrookabout 2 years agoMore Parkettes
It would be nice to see more parkettes throughout the city, but especially in areas with higher densities where many residents do not have private ourdoor space. Ideally every resident would be within 5 minute walk of a park or parkette. It could be small, but should offer a place to sit, landscaping, shade and feature of interest for a wide variety of ages groups like a climable statue, stepping stones, or public art.
1 comment4LoriRalmost 2 years agoTables for gaming
Offer tables, not just bench or picnic table, seating that could facilitate cards or checkers or chess (even better, paint the board on the table)
0 comment1Binaabout 2 years agoBasketball court or net at Eby park
Lots of low income kids on Holdborn Dr. The preteens don't have much to do and most of them can't go far and some of them are from families that don't know where there next meal is coming from. The kids at the townhouses on Holborn have made a makeshift basket ball court on the grass of the townhouses. Is there anyway the city could put up a basket ball court at Eby park or the field behind the fire station or the low income housing where alot of those kids are from in there grass area?
0 comment4LoriRalmost 2 years agoOffering ways to play a multitude of casual sports
Pickleball, badminton, mini soccer nets, netball, and other sporting activities that people of all ages could play.
0 comment0 -
Share What does an accessible park space look like for you or your loved ones? on Facebook Share What does an accessible park space look like for you or your loved ones? on Twitter Share What does an accessible park space look like for you or your loved ones? on Linkedin Email What does an accessible park space look like for you or your loved ones? linkCLOSED: This ideas board has concluded.
Are Kitchener's parks accessible? Why or why not? What does an accessible park space look like for you or your loved ones? Share your ideas and 'heart' the other ones you like.
Xavientoisabout 2 years agoSeparate high-speed from low-speed travel
For particularly busy parks, it might make sense to widen walkways and/or provide separate rights of way for faster modes than walking such as cycling or rollerblading
0 comment4r@almost 2 years agoParks & Spaces for Teens
I would love to see parks & spaces serve teens better. Growing up in KW it was common to hangout at the local plaza parking lot and that has not changed much from my recent drive (Ottawa & River Rd). How can we create parks and spaces to also meet the teenager demographic ? Maybe its building spaces within the local plaza, where teens can meetup and collaborate (eg. create digital media content together, work on projects together, get a chance to be social apart from organized sports). I found growing up in KW, parks are well suited for children but not so much for teens unless it was a sports complex that not everyone had access to (either the complex was too far or was meant for organized sports). I think the Region can be innovative here to provide more accessible space for teens that are ideally walking distance away. In the suburban areas, the closest thing by foot is typically a school, church or... the local plaza :) Please share your ideas on this topic too :)
0 comment0teraalmost 2 years agoAble to get to the park by public transit
Victoria Park is easily accessed by public transit from all over the Region, but Kiwanis Park is strangely not accessible by any bus route, although it's only 5 km away, without walking most of the way.
0 comment4srbowmabout 2 years agoEnsure that lawns are level with sidewalks. Sidewalk edges are 10 cm obstruction to wheelchairs. Since getting a walker I noticed this.
When lawns are not level with sidewalks wheelchair operators cannot move onto lawn to sit and enjoy nature; they must sit in the middle of public walkway and feel like a great big obstruction to others. See my write-up and photos of the greenspace at intersection of Weber St. E. and Cedar St. N. in Kitchener at https://naturallyurbanpicshobbycorner.wordpress.com/2022/07/18/park-accessibility/.
0 comment6teraalmost 2 years agoPaved pathways
Speaking to other people, include someone who uses a wheelchair, and another older adult, all three of us dislike rocky, or loose stones, pathways. Paved pathways, especially over hills, is much safer, easier for people with mobility devices, and overall more enjoyable. Having stony pathways screams "don't bike, don't run, don't rollerblade here!"
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Lifecycle
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Open for feedback (phase 1)
Places and Spaces: Kitchener's park and open space strategy has finished this stageDo you use Kitchener parks? Why or why not? What makes a truly great park? Take our survey, brainstorm ideas, share your stories or attend a workshop!
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Under review
Places and Spaces: Kitchener's park and open space strategy has finished this stageWe are reviewing your contributions. The draft Spaces document and Park Dedication by-law will go to Council in June 2022.
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Open for feedback (phase 2)
Places and Spaces: Kitchener's park and open space strategy has finished this stageWhat else do we need to consider when it comes to planning parks and open spaces? Share your comments and feedback.
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Under review
Places and Spaces: Kitchener's park and open space strategy is currently at this stageWe are reviewing your contributions and will report back on the outcomes in the next step.
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What we heard update
this is an upcoming stage for Places and Spaces: Kitchener's park and open space strategyThank you to everyone who contributed to our strategy! Before the full report goes to Council for approval, we will share the key themes we heard from you.
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Report to Council
this is an upcoming stage for Places and Spaces: Kitchener's park and open space strategyWe are preparing the final strategy and staff report to present to Council for approval.
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Final outcomes
this is an upcoming stage for Places and Spaces: Kitchener's park and open space strategyThe final report to Council was submitted and the outcomes are documented here.
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Important Links
Who's Listening
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Manager, Parks and Open Space Design and Development
Phone 519-741-2200 x4045 Email ashley.visneski@kitchener.ca -
Phone 519-741-2600 ext 4397 Email Mark.Parris@kitchener.ca