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.
JenCabout 1 year agoBall hockey court, bike /scooter park
Paved area to play ball hockey instead of on the street. A bike /scooter/skateboard track with hills like the one at Riverside park in Cambridge!
0 comment2ken jensen1about 1 year agopickleball courts
0 comment3CraigHabout 1 year agoDisc Golf
0 comment1LoriRabout 1 year agoOutdoor rentable rinks
(for roller derby, ball hockey, court lacrosse) - like they have in Aberfoyle or Shakespeare. Polished, not hard like Bridgeport
0 comment2The Campaignerabout 1 year agoProvide adequate park & play space for everyone
The City should focus, first, on providing adequate park space for all demographics before it contemplates spending money on "alternative sports". There are areas of the City with the lowest income levels that have less than 0.1 square meters of parkland per person while other areas have over 50. This isn't the sign of an equitable City. Ping pong, pickleball, tennis, chess, are all great but people should have access to the basic necessities, first.
2 comments6 -
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.
Jiteshover 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 comment0G Singhover 1 year agoWashrooms, more benches, sanitizing stations, play structures for kids. SAFETY —- have seen broken glass bottles at kids play structures.
0 comment0Elizabeth-Mover 1 year agoRopes course/obstacle course
0 comment2sarah.hover 1 year agoNatural play structures
0 comment2Thoughtidsayover 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 comment5 -
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.
Elizabeth-Mover 1 year agoPop-up playgrounds and musical swings
The pop-up playground in front of Kitchener City Hall was a huge hit and so we’re the musical swings and uptown Waterloo town square. More of these initiatives!
0 comment1Andrew 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 comment8Elizabeth-Mover 1 year agoOutdoor ping pong tables, life size chess, outdoor laser tag
0 comment0Arminalmost 2 years agoSmall park right between Iron Horse Trail and Victoria Park
Can the green space between the Iron Horse Trail and Victoria Park (Henry Sturm Greenway) be turned into an accessible park area? Adding a winding, lit path through it would invite users of the Iron Horse Trail to enjoy the greenery even more. Right now we just pass by it.
0 comment2Elizabeth-Mover 1 year agoLooped skating rink or forest skating trail
Rapidly growing in popularity, great for all ages,great tourist attraction, great excercise
0 comment4 -
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.
TaxPayingCitizenalmost 2 years 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 comments1purrlycatabout 2 years agoParks with more than grass
A lot of parks are just large patches of grass with some play ground equipment no fun to walk through. Paths, trees and flowers make it nicer to walk through as an adult while still good for kids.
0 comment13AndreaJaneabout 2 years agoSomething to engage kids with the natural environment like tree IDs. Tree naming. Plant naming. I love the geotime trail.
0 comment12LLCMalmost 2 years agoCommunication boards
Would need to be customized based on the park’s amenities, the image is just an example. But would be a simple way to add some inclusiveness to parks.
0 comment1Andi87almost 2 years agoKnollwood park needs to be updated with inclusive and new equipment. It is used by a huge population of people
0 comment2 -
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.
LoriRalmost 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 comment0LoriRalmost 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 comment1Mahwishalmost 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 comment2Binaabout 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 comment4Jbrookabout 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 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.
srbowmabout 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 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 comment4Erin Dalmost 2 years agoMore public seating and benches
In general more benches/places to sit.
1 comment3Xavientoisabout 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 comment4teraalmost 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!"
1 comment3
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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