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!
Over the next 18 months, 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!
Over the next 18 months, 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 on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCLOSED: 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.
Chris M.11 months 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 comment8Mindie11 months agoArchery range
0 comment3LoriR11 months agoOutdoor rentable rinks
(for roller derby, ball hockey, court lacrosse) - like they have in Aberfoyle or Shakespeare. Polished, not hard like Bridgeport
0 comment2Ani11 months agoOutdoor chess tables.
Every park should have 4 chess tables to bring community together.
1 comment6CraigH11 months agoDisc Golf
0 comment1 -
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How would you like to play in Kitchener parks?
12 months 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.
Thoughtidsayover 1 year agoBathrooms and dog parks
People need a place to use the washrooms and more people have pets. We need to bring in more off leash parks
0 comment5QTPa2Tover 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
0 comment0sarah.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 comment0Elizabeth-Mover 1 year agoSoccer fields/nets are badly needed. Very few options anywhere in downtown core.
0 comment0 -
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCLOSED: 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.
Bryan Larkinover 1 year agomore small business focused pop up events.
like the KWawesome pop up or gaukel street markets
0 comment1Mom of twoover 1 year agoComfortable for all
Small coffee shops for us adults to grab a drink and snack while there. More benches to sit close by kids areas. And finally gated off small spaces for the younger kids like 3 and down. Sometimes the climbing areas are too dangerous for them as they have openings to jump off etc. It'd be nice to have a safe space with a fence for them to play while i sit down nearby. Rather than always chasing them for safety.
0 comment3AJRCover 1 year agoAdd more benches to parks where people walk dogs -- eg park near Centre in the Square -- to promote social interaction.
0 comment2Andrew Jacob Rinehartover 1 year agoMore interactive art works, and temporary installations
So many people went out of their way to see the musical swings in uptown, and this seemed to be a primarily young adult crowd, but really all ages. I love this stuff, and we have such an awesome local arts scene that needs support. Also Daily tous les Jours commissioned an independent study (which you can read) on their swing installation, which found a nearly 300% return on investment from from gained tax revenue. It's great for local businesses, local creatives, and gives young adults ways to play in public space. https://www.dailytouslesjours.com/en/work/musical-swings
0 comment8Zack Mover 1 year agoMulti use sport surface
Having a mixed use space where you could play ball hockey and basketball in the same area. Could also be used for outdoor rink in winter. Outdoor ping pong, chess table and other activities would be great too.
0 comment1 -
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this 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.
Andi87over 1 year agoKnollwood park needs to be updated with inclusive and new equipment. It is used by a huge population of people
0 comment2TaxPayingCitizenover 1 year agoRemove tent city. "Public" land does not mean "private use". Long term camps are clearly illegal. The city is demonstrating that it is "OK".
Are laws meaningless?
2 comments1Katie.anneover 1 year agoMake parks spaces all ages can enjoy (e.g. food, coffee, music)
A park for all ages
1 comment2Seniortrailuserover 1 year agoWhere trails cross Union St. in Breithaupt Park there are no visually safe crossings, trail warnings for drivers or proper safety measures
0 comment1Lets get fitover 1 year agoMake parks for all!!!
Having a son in a wheelchair has opened my eyes to the staggering lack of inclusiveness and accessibility in a lot of local parks. I realize they are old and grandfathered in but there's absolutely no reason why new parks can include accessible equipment. We have to drive to Elmira to find a suitable inclusive park and that's an absolute shame. Also, add the outdoor gym equipment to new parks. Keeping the citizens healthy and providing them a place to do so should be a priority. It's 2022. Let's get with the times please.
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Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCLOSED: 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.
LoriRover 1 year 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 comment1Mahwishover 1 year 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 comment2Binaalmost 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 comment4LoriRover 1 year 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 comment0Jbrookalmost 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 comment4 -
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this 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.
Xavientoisover 1 year agoCurb Cuts
Ensuring that all potential points of access to the parks are level with the road to ensure that everyone (wheelchair-users, cyclists, folks riding strollers, etc) can access park spaces with ease.
0 comment4Erin Dover 1 year agoMore public seating and benches
In general more benches/places to sit.
1 comment3teraover 1 year 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!"
1 comment3srbowmalmost 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 comment6teraover 1 year 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 comment4
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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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Open for feedback (phase 3)
this is an upcoming stage for Places and Spaces: Kitchener's park and open space strategyDid we miss anything? Take a look at our draft strategy and let us know if we got it right.
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Closed
this is an upcoming stage for Places and Spaces: Kitchener's park and open space strategyThank you to everyone who contributed to our strategy! The final strategy and report is being prepared for Council.
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Final report
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 of this engagement are documented here.
Key Dates
Documents
- Downtown parks maps (1.58 MB) (pdf)
- Parks classifications (22.3 MB) (pdf)
- Spaces - Park Dedication Summary (English) (2.33 MB) (pdf)
- Spaces: Summary (English) (4.3 MB) (pdf)
- Did you know? Factsheet about dogs in Kitchener (303 KB) (pdf)
- Places and Spaces: Project Introduction & Overview (2.36 MB) (pdf)
Important Links
FAQs
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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?
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