Miles Road End Parkette Improvements

• Summer 2025: Hire a design team
• Summer 2025: Community engagement, design development and detailed design
• Fall 2025: Construction

The timeline is subject to change.

The proposed design for the parkette improvements include:

• a new pathway into the parkette
• benches facing the lake
• an accessible chess game table

There are currently no plans to add more planting beds or additional park amenities due to project budget limitations.

1. Concrete paving
2. New concrete edge around existing garden and park sign
3. Park access gate to restrict vehicle entry into the parkette
4. Existing perennial garden and park sign
5. Three-seat accessible chess game table
6. Standard city benches facing the lake
7. Commemorative bench
8. Relocated seat rocks
9. Existing seat rocks
10. Grass surface
11. Existing garden
12. Existing electrical transformer

September 2025

Online Survey

From September 12 to 29, an online survey collected feedback on the proposed design for the parkette improvements and received 269 responses.

Overall, 27 per cent of participants were very satisfied with the proposed design options and 42 per cent were somewhat satisfied. 12 per cent of participants felt neutral, 11 per cent were somewhat unsatisfied and eight per cent were very unsatisfied.

Feedback Summary

Participants were asked what they would like to do at the improved Miles Road End Parkette. The top three activities were:

• Enjoy nature and the lake view (88 per cent)
• Do individual activities such as reading, listening to music, observing wildlife, etc. (48 per cent)
• Sit, relax and eat food (40 per cent)

When asked to rate statements describing different elements of the proposed design, the levels of agreement from high to low were:

• The design of the space allows me to relax and enjoy nature (25 per cent strongly agree, 45 per cent agree)
• There is enough seating in the proposed design (21 per cent strongly agree, 47 per cent agree)
• The proposed design enhances the parkette’s natural charm and makes it more welcoming (19 per cent strongly agree, 44 per cent agree)
• The added park features are inclusive for all ages and abilities (16 per cent strongly agree, 40 per cent agree)
• The seating is placed in appropriate locations within the park (15 per cent strongly agree, 45 per cent agree)
• The proposed design allows people to connect and socialize (13 per cent strongly agree, 45 per cent agree)

If there is an opportunity to change some of the seating in the proposed design, the most popular options chosen by participants were:

• Muskoka chairs (59 per cent)
• Metal tables with umbrella for shade (16 per cent)
• Prefer not to change the proposed seating option (16 per cent)

Participants were invited to share comments on how the proposed design can be made more welcoming and accessible for all community members. Some common feedback included:

• Preserve as much grass and natural elements as possible in the final design
• Reduce the amount of paved areas where feasible
• Add more trees, shrubs and native plants to enhance greenery and provide shade
• Maintain a cozy, inviting atmosphere that emphasizes natural sounds and surroundings
• Provide a mix of seating options rather than standard benches
• Ensure all seating is fully accessible, especially for mobility device users
• Avoid overcrowding the parkette with outdoor furniture, keeping the space natural and open
• Maintain waterfront access and preserve lake views for local community members to enjoy
• Ensure proper maintenance and regular upkeep to keep the parkette clean
• More garbage bins to help manage waste
• Take measures to prevent illegal vehicle access into the parkette