Elie Wiesel Park Improvements

Improvements are coming to Elie Wiesel Park. The park design will be determined through the community engagement process and is proposed to include upgraded pathways, improved lighting, seating areas, playground improvements and more.

  • Summer 2023: Community Engagement Phase 1
  • Winter 2023/2024: Hire a design team
  • Spring 2024: Community Engagement Phase 2
  • Summer 2024: Design development
  • Fall/Winter 2024/2025: Hire a construction team
  • Spring 2025: Construction starts, park closes
  • Fall 2025: Construction complete, park reopens

The timeline is subject to change.

Sign Up for Updates

Sign Up Now

Sign up for updates related to the Elie Wiesel Park Improvements or unsubscribe from the mailing list.

In this phase of the community engagement process, the City worked with local community members to define a renewed overall vision for the park, which will guide the development of two design options in Community Engagement Phase 2.

August 2023

Online Thought Exchange Activity

From June 30 to August 27, 2023, over 430 people participated in an online interactive thought exchange activity where they provided 370 ideas and over 7,200 idea ratings.

Using this feedback, a vision for the improved park was developed.

Vision

A relaxing lush green park that is family-friendly, inclusive, accessible, and encourages a healthier lifestyle through access to sports fields and fitness equipment for all ages. The park and playground should have a variety of features for children of all ages and abilities, and should focus on creating a safe environment for children and youth, especially in sports courts and play areas. The park should be a space for local families to gather and socialize and should be maintained regularly.

Online Thought Exchange Activity Summary

Review a full summary of the results in an interactive report.

The most popular park uses included:

  • Playground (66 per cent)
  • Baseball diamond (38 per cent)
  • Tennis courts (37 per cent)

The least popular park amenities included:

  • Ball hockey court (43 per cent)
  • Pickleball (41 per cent)
  • Baseball diamond (34 per cent)

The most popular activities to do in the improved park included:

  • Use children’s play area (62 per cent)
  • Relax in open green spaces (59 per cent)
  • Gather with friends and family (53 per cent)
  • Exercise using outdoor fitness equipment (48 per cent)
  • Sit and/or eat (45 per cent)

The most popular amenities were:

  • a shade structure (77 per cent)
  • fitness equipment (46 per cent).

Preferred seating options were:

  • Benches (65 per cent)
  • Seating with shade (58 per cent)
  • Picnic tables (57 per cent)

Preferred features to ensure safety were:

  • Lighting (89 per cent)
  • Wide pathways (57 per cent)
  • Visibility and sight lines (54 per cent)

Other popular thoughts included:

  • Incorporate space for sports throughout the day such as pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts for younger children
  • Incorporate lots of open greenspace, flowers, pollinators, and natural shade to create a lush and relaxing space
  • Ensure the park is accessible to people of all abilities (including those with mobility devices, sensory, and other needs)
  • Provide a path around the park for easier access and allowing for residents to take a stroll
  • Include entertainment features that are not available at nearby parks, such as a gathering space (e.g. gazebo) and a community garden
  • Ensure park maintenance and cleanliness
  • Ensure safety by including:
    • Lighting to allow for more evening uses, especially in courts and playground
    • Active edge, especially for playgrounds and sports fields
    • Buffers from adjacent roadways

In this phase of the community engagement process, the City will prepare designs for community feedback which will be used to develop a preferred design for the park improvements.