Waterfront Park
The development of the 3.95 hectare [9.76 acre] site on the north side of Riverside Drive, at Manning Road represents a significant parcel of waterfront property in the Town, being referred to as a Signature Waterfront Site.
The Town will develop approximately 2.7 hectares [6.67 acres] of the total site as a Waterfront Park. The remaining site, a 1.25 hectare [3.09 acres] parcel is proposed for development of a 115 bed upscale seniors' retirement complex.
The Waterfront Park project provides a significant opportunity for family-oriented multi-use community recreational facilities and passive activities on the waterfront of Lake St. Clair. The plan protects and enhances the natural and cultural heritage of the site (a former golf clubhouse and grounds) for the benefit of the entire community as well as tourists.
Key features of the plan include:
- Waterfront boardwalk and observation pier
- Perched sand beach with access for wading, canoes & kayaks
- Naturalized landscape area to provide habitat for a variety of native species
- Picnic shelter, washrooms and family change rooms
- Interactive fountain for display and children’s play
- Display gardens featuring heritage species and native plants
- Multi-use open space for community events and festivals
- Walkways, sitting areas, gardens
- Parking lot and service area
- Access to community wide cycling trail
The Town’s plan for the Waterfront Park has been developed by EDA Collaborative Inc. who presented the Final Plan to Town Council on March 9, 2010 where it was adopted. This plan is the result of several meetings with staff and a number of public meetings and community stakeholder consultations since the project was announced.
The project provides community-wide recreational access to the waterfront of Lake St. Clair that is not available to this extent anywhere else in the community. The unique range of waterfront facilities, recreational activities and cultural programs also provides economic development opportunities relative to the attraction of visitors and tourists from other areas of the province.
The project is widely accessible to the entire community. The plan promotes cycling and pedestrian access to the park via the community waterfront cycling/walking trail. A parking area is also provided with disabled spaces and drop-off for wheel chairs and walkers. Design criteria for all facilities, including walkways, buildings, boardwalk and parking areas respects the needs of all users of all ages and all abilities.
Visit the Waterfront Park Photo Gallery. (photos courtesy of Don Learn of “Photographic Experiences”)
