Rodden Park Community Forests Engagement Summary

Why we engaged

Rodden Park is located at 111 Norman Rogers Drive, just west of Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd in the Calvin Park neighbourhood.

Five meetings were held in Summer 2024 to develop a vision and design for the park. 30 participants reached a consensus to develop a Food Forest and Little Forest, with other gardening initiatives such as pollinator and seed gardens, and community food garden plots for possible future consideration. The planted area for the proposed Food Forest and Little Forest is 150 sq meters each.

This second phase of engagement sought to inform the work to date, share the site plan, and provide more information on the Forest models. The survey also asked for open-ended feedback on the location and accessibility considerations of the project.

How we engaged

The survey was open from March 17 to April 17 2025 on Get Involved Kingston. Users could review information about the project, including a site map and details about two types of forests. The survey asked for respondents’ postal codes (Question 1) and then provided two opportunities for open-ended feedback: general comments (Question 2) and accessibility considerations (Question 3).

The survey was shared with community members in a variety of ways, including:

  • Printed posters distributed at libraries, recreational facilities and community message boards in the Portsmouth neighbourhood
  • Social media promotion across the City of Kingston’s Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn channels
  • Digital screens on City and library networks
  • Media coverage in the Kingstonist and Kingston Daily
  • Inclusion in Get Involved Kingston newsletter
  • Paid advertising including Curbex signage at proposed site in Rodden Park and print ads published in Kingston This Week
  • Direct contact with relevant stakeholders including nearby schools, post-secondary institutions, churches, Senior’s Association, neighbourhood groups and climate organizations

Who we heard from

  • 153 participants completed the survey
  • 1,615 aware participants visited the project page to learn more
  • 1 participant engaged with the City for the first time on Get Involved Kingston
  • Location of respondents (Question 1)
    • 97 Southwest Kingston (K7M) - Includes Rodden Park Neighbourhood
    • 26 Central-South Kingston (K7L)
    • 22 Central-East Kingston (K7K)
    • 5 Northwest Kingston (K7P)
    • 2 Other (K7N, K0H)

Figure: Responses to Question 1 (Respondents’ Postal Codes)

What we heard

Overall, feedback received for the Rodden Park community forests project is positive, highlighting mutual benefits for both the community and the environment. Some comments provide constructive suggestions and a few respondents have specific concerns about the proposed location and site plan. Below is a summary of main themes from the feedback received.

Question 2: Do you have feedback specific to the proposed Little Forest and Food Forest at Rodden Park? (149 total comments)

  • Support (128 comments): A majority of comments express support for the plan, highlighting benefits including increased biodiversity, food access and education opportunities for the community.
  • Site/Location (28 comments): Some comments mention the specific location chosen and size of site plan, others ask for walking paths and suggestions for other features. There are quite a few respondents who are worried about the loss of open green space (for children playing, and multiple mentions of the the tobogganing hill). A few people have concerns about people sheltering in the park and about the trees that were cut down at the site last year.
  • Food Security (23 comments): There is interest in the concept of a “food forest” though some question the impact on food insecurity at the proposed scale. There is some concern about pest/wildlife control and the protection of edible plants.
  • Expansion and Future Projects (22 comments): Many comments express a desire to see the project expanded in Rodden Park, and to other areas in the city.
  • Plant Species (20 comments): There are several comments that provide specific plant suggestions, mentioning the need for diverse and hardy native species, and some that are concerned about invasive species.
  • Community Engagement (14 comments): There are some suggestions for increased engagement with the affected community, especially nearby neighbours (i.e. mailed notices). Some comments highlight the benefit of increased community connection that this project could provide.
  • Education Opportunities (11 comments): The project is seen as a valuable education tool, with suggestions for incorporating plant signage and hosting events to engage local students and residents.
  • Maintenance and Aesthetics (11 comments): Comments emphasize the importance of properly maintaining the new green spaces to prevent them from becoming neglected, with reference to the appearance of other community gardens.
  • Accessibility (5 comments): There are calls for accessibility, including pathways and signage. Further comments about accessibility are addressed below in question 2.
  • Other Comments (27 comments) include: recognition of project partners, desire to volunteer, suggestions for raised beds and other non-garden amenities, emphasis on the importance of addressing climate change, concerns about allergies and some specific questions (including the governance structure for maintenance, and how food will be harvested and distributed).

Question 3: In accordance with Ontario Regulation 191/11, please provide any accessibility feedback for the proposed community gardens. (75 total comments)

Some comments (17) share that they do not have specific notes on accessibility. Others (11) offer general support for ensuring the site is accessible to those of diverse needs.

Other comments express specific support for:

  • Pathways that are accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices (31 comments)
  • Seating such as benches, picnic tables and rest stops (10 comments)
  • Clear signage for wayfinding and plant identification (2 comments)
  • Raised garden beds (5 comments)
  • Parking and transit access to park (3 comments)
  • Other: lighting in park, call box for emergencies, water faucets instead of knobs, inclusive washroom facilities and affordable access to tools/supplies for participants (7 comments)

Concerns highlighted include:

  • Hill/slope: In addition to comments about the space being used by children for tobogganing in the winter, there are concerns that the location on the hill/slope is not accessible for people with mobility challenges (5 comments)
  • Location: A nearby neighbour is concerned about the location due to children passing through the area and the presence of coyotes (1 comment)
  • Unfamiliarity with accessibility regulations and concerns standards being met (1 comment)
  • Difficulty providing feedback without a detailed site plan (1 comment)
  • Protection of gardens from wildlife (1 comment)

Next steps

Feedback has been shared with the project team for consideration. Site prep for both plots is expected to begin Spring 2025, with planting for the Little Forest to start Fall 2025, and the Edible Forest to begin Spring 2026.