Cecil and Wilma Graham Park Improvements

Cecil and Wilma Graham Park is an undeveloped waterfront park located at 201 Aragon Road. The park fronts the north shore of Colonel By Lake, in Esther Marsh Bay. A new boat ramp is planned for construction in 2026/2027, in accordance with the City of Kingston's Parks and Recreation Master Plans. Other minor park improvements are also planned as part of this work and are described and shown in the images below.

Detailed Map showcasing concept for upgrading the park. Features include parking areas, a boat ramp, a new dock, a picnic area, and tree plantings. Below the map is a side view of the landscape, that shows parking, picnic area, the proposed dock and new trees for shade.


The following list describes some elements of the project, with artistic renderings provided above and below:

  • Maintain the park’s combined rural and natural environment: The proposed design attempts to minimize site alterations by taking advantage of existing open areas to improve access to the natural features of the site.
  • Gravel access road: The driveway entrance is shown west of the existing private driveway across the street which will minimize the disturbance to the neighbour while providing adequate lines-of-sight for vehicles. The shoulders of the access road, north of the formal parking areas, will be widened to accommodate additional overflow roadside parking on busy days. A turnaround area will near the intersection with Aragon Road will allow vehicle turnaround within the park space, instead of along Aragon Road.
  • Boat ramp: The boat ramp will constructed using precast concrete panels, to reduce maintenance requirements, and will include a floating dock for loading, and hammerhead for vehicle and trailer turnaround for launching. Further refinements to the design will include non-motorized craft launching.
  • Parking considerations: Two parking areas are planned, one to either side of the access road. To the northeast, parking for vehicles with trailers will be delineated by wood fencing. To the southwest, parking for a small number of vehicles without trailers will be provided, for access to the trail, bench and picnic areas, or for car-top watercraft.
  • Picnic area and pathway: A small picnic area will be created near the boat ramp and made accessible from a pathway that will connect the boat ramp area to the west end of the park. The west end of the park contains an existing gravel parking area and roundabout. The west gravel parking area provides access to unmaintained provincial crown land, to the south.
Next steps include completing the procurement documents, acquiring permits and environmental approvals, and final budget approval. Construction start up is anticipated in 2026.

A map of the park area, with precedent images of project elements including a picnic table, a granular path, plants and a boat launch.



Cecil and Wilma Graham Park is an undeveloped waterfront park located at 201 Aragon Road. The park fronts the north shore of Colonel By Lake, in Esther Marsh Bay. A new boat ramp is planned for construction in 2026/2027, in accordance with the City of Kingston's Parks and Recreation Master Plans. Other minor park improvements are also planned as part of this work and are described and shown in the images below.

Detailed Map showcasing concept for upgrading the park. Features include parking areas, a boat ramp, a new dock, a picnic area, and tree plantings. Below the map is a side view of the landscape, that shows parking, picnic area, the proposed dock and new trees for shade.


The following list describes some elements of the project, with artistic renderings provided above and below:

  • Maintain the park’s combined rural and natural environment: The proposed design attempts to minimize site alterations by taking advantage of existing open areas to improve access to the natural features of the site.
  • Gravel access road: The driveway entrance is shown west of the existing private driveway across the street which will minimize the disturbance to the neighbour while providing adequate lines-of-sight for vehicles. The shoulders of the access road, north of the formal parking areas, will be widened to accommodate additional overflow roadside parking on busy days. A turnaround area will near the intersection with Aragon Road will allow vehicle turnaround within the park space, instead of along Aragon Road.
  • Boat ramp: The boat ramp will constructed using precast concrete panels, to reduce maintenance requirements, and will include a floating dock for loading, and hammerhead for vehicle and trailer turnaround for launching. Further refinements to the design will include non-motorized craft launching.
  • Parking considerations: Two parking areas are planned, one to either side of the access road. To the northeast, parking for vehicles with trailers will be delineated by wood fencing. To the southwest, parking for a small number of vehicles without trailers will be provided, for access to the trail, bench and picnic areas, or for car-top watercraft.
  • Picnic area and pathway: A small picnic area will be created near the boat ramp and made accessible from a pathway that will connect the boat ramp area to the west end of the park. The west end of the park contains an existing gravel parking area and roundabout. The west gravel parking area provides access to unmaintained provincial crown land, to the south.
Next steps include completing the procurement documents, acquiring permits and environmental approvals, and final budget approval. Construction start up is anticipated in 2026.

A map of the park area, with precedent images of project elements including a picnic table, a granular path, plants and a boat launch.



  • Fall 2024 Public Engagement Summary

    Cecil and Wilma Graham Park is located along the shoreline of Colonel By Lake which forms part of the Rideau Canal system. Access to this site is from Aragon Road. A new boat ramp and parking area are planned for construction in 2026. These improvements are part of the City of Kingston's Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Waterfront Master Plan. Improvements will provide boat access to Colonel By Lake.

    How we engaged

    In-person public meeting

    A public meeting was held in the evening on Sept. 26, 2024, at the Glenburnie Firehall, located not far from the park. The meeting was advertised through direct outreach to neighbours of the park and local community members, as well as with signs placed on site and along the roadway near the park, and the City’s website calendar.

    About 35 people attended the event. It featured a presentation from City Staff and project consultants. Following the presentation, an open mic question and answer opportunity was provided to attendees.

    Online survey

    A survey was launched the same evening that the public meeting was held. It included three open-ended questions. The survey was available to the community for input from Sept. 26 to Oct. 14. There were 88 contributors to the survey.

    Additional feedback

    Additional feedback received via email were incorporated into the survey feedback.

    What we heard

    Through the input received during the public meeting and from responses to the survey, common themes were identified. The word cloud below shows the 50 most referenced words. Larger words are those that were heard more frequently.

    A word cloud showing the most commonly used words in the text responses recieved.

    Survey reporting

    The survey asked participants three open-ended questions. After reviewing the responses for common themes, three significant themes emerged. These themes were the value of natural and rural spaces, access to water and nature, and community concerns.

    A chart shows the break down of themes, "access to water and nature" was the largest category of comments, accounting for at least half. The other major categories were "community concerns" and "value of natural and rural spaces."

    Responses were largely positive toward enhancing public water access for low-impact recreational use, but includes a clear call for thoughtful, respectful development that preserves the local environment and community, and rural character of the site.

    Question 1: What do you value most about the park and/or area around it?

    A chart shows the break down of themes for question 1, "value of natural and rural spaces" was the largest category of comments, accounting for at least half, followed closely by "access to water and nature," the subject "community concerns" was the least common response theme.

    Value of natural and rural spaces: 37 responses valued maintaining and preserving the natural environment. The area’s green space, woodlands, and wildlife are seen as crucial aspects of its charm. There is a strong desire to maintain the natural and rural feel associated with the area.

    Access to the water and nature: 31 responses valued the park as a quiet and serene space close to home, ideal for activities like bird watching, hiking, and fishing. The proximity of the park to the lake allows many to enjoy it as a space to relax and connect with nature.

    Community concerns: 7 responses expressed concerns related to current maintenance of the park and the impact of garbage pollution. Maintaining the cleanliness and pristine condition of the park is important to these respondents.

    Question 2: What do you think is important for us to know about this area?

    A chart shows the break down of themes for question 2, "access to water and nature" was the largest category of comments, accounting for nearly half. The remaining responses were nearly evenly split between "value of natural and rural spaces" and "community concerns" with "value of natural and rural spaces" having slighty more than "community concerns."Value of natural and rural spaces: 20 responses highlighted the park's natural, undeveloped state and its peaceful location outside the city. They emphasized preserving the park’s wildlife, biodiversity, and natural amenities, advocating for simple, minimal improvements that maintain its rural character.

    Access to the water and nature: 32 responses expressed a strong need for better public access to water, especially for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The park is viewed as underutilized and lacking amenities, and there is a desire for more investment, including better trails, seating, and improved water access.

    Community concerns: 16 responses expressed concerns about safety, maintenance, and increased traffic. Issues include the area's current misuse for possible illegal activities, lack of regular maintenance, and safety hazards from hunting and illicit gatherings.

    Question 3: Please share any other comments or input related to this project

    A chart shows the break down of themes for question 3, "access to water and nature" was the largest category of comments, accounting for nearly two thirds. The remaining responses were nearly evenly split between "value of natural and rural spaces" and "community concerns" with "community concerns" having slighty more than "value of natural and rural spaces."Value of natural and rural spaces: 7 responses expressed appreciation for the park's current undeveloped state and expressed a desire to protect its natural landscape from overdevelopment. Maintaining a rural park feel and experience was seen as important to respect the original intent of the land donation.

    Access to the water and nature: 31 responses demonstrated a strong desire for improved public access to water, especially after the loss in access to the previous boat ramp in the area. Many responses indicated they would like to see some development of the park, with mention of well-maintained boat launch, additional parking, and better signage to increase visibility and access, as well as amenities like picnic tables or benches. There was emphasis on a boat launch design that was suited to kayaks and canoes as well. Improved park maintenance was also suggested.

    Community concerns: 9 responses brought forward concerns about the City's management of the park. There is frustration over the lack of maintenance, with some suggesting the city consider alternative locations for a boat launch, like Belle Park or Rideau Acres. Concerns were also expressed about potential environmental impacts, such as damage to the shoreline and the spread of invasive species. There are also worries about attracting unwanted activity, like camping or fires.

    Next steps

    The project team will work to incorporate feedback into a refined design which will be shared for feedback sometime in 2025. Construction of the boat ramp is not expected to begin until 2026.

  • Options: boat ramp location

    To identify suitable boat ramp locations, a field investigation was completed. The investigation included a water depth (bathymetric) survey of 650 m of shoreline. As part of the survey, observations were made of submerged tree stumps, lakebed material composition and aquatic vegetation. The map below describes the advantages and disadvantages of four alternatives that were first considered. Of these four alternatives, two were considered viable based on depths and field observations, and one alternative is preferred due to the ability to consider a pathway to a potential lookout.

    Aerial view of a shoreline outlining four potential options for boat ramp locations. The factors for consideration include length of the driveway, distance to connecting trails, parking availability, landscape, water depths and conditions, trees and picnic areas and proximity to nearby residents.

    Below is a conceptual drawing showing how a boat ramp might look for Alternative 3. The drawing shows the various elements of the project, including a pathway to a lookout, an open waterfront lawn area with a picnic table in the shade of the existing trees, and water access features, including a turnaround for trailers and a parking area.

    Sample images of pathways, topography, naturalized plantings, picnic furniture and a boat launch. Graphic of a context plan indicating areas for vehicle turnaround, boat ramp, pre-existing usage, a pond, open waterfront lawn area, parking, trees and potential access to a lookout area.

Page last updated: 07 Jul 2025, 11:06 AM