Crerar Park and Everitt Park Improvements

Decorative image showing trees cartoon and leaves in a in park.The City of Kingston will be improving Crerar Park and Everitt Park in 2026. Improvements will focus on two areas:

  1. Improving the flood and erosion resiliency of each park and improving park access and amenities. Flood and erosion resiliency improvements are funded in part by the Disaster Mitigation and Adaption Fund, a federal grant which invests in natural infrastructure projects to increase resilience for communities that are impacted by natural disasters triggered by climate change.
  2. Park amenity improvements are inspired by the City’s Waterfront Master Plan.

As part of this process public input is needed to help guide and shape these planned improvements.

Everitt Park

Identified as a quiet neighbourhood refuge, located off Lakeshore Boulevard in Kingston's west end, we plan to protect the park’s unique landscape and geological character while providing opportunities for solitude, exploration and rock shelf access. Drainage improvements will also reduce flooding of the pathway and seating areas.

Planned improvements include:

  • An accessible path network and seating options, with improved access to the rock shelf and Lake Ontario.
  • Improved drainage to minimize impacts of flooding.
  • Increase the quality of lookout points.

Crerar Park

This park is located along the shore in Kingston's west end, near Lakeshore Boulevard and Crerar Boulevard. The southern exposure and waterfront position create an opportunity to provide the community with a true beach experience that offers water-based amenities, a diversity of play, engaging opportunities for nature exploration, and accessibility. Drainage and shoreline protection improvements will also ensure the park can be enjoyed more frequently and into the future.

Planned improvements include:
  • Pathway network improvements.
  • Playground improvement to replace aging equipment.
  • Beach area improvements with consideration for swimming and canoe and kayak access.
  • Naturalization areas to protect the beach and shoreline and make the park more resilient to flooding and erosion.

Stay informed

Use the Follow Project feature on the page to make sure you receive updates.

Decorative image showing trees cartoon and leaves in a in park.The City of Kingston will be improving Crerar Park and Everitt Park in 2026. Improvements will focus on two areas:

  1. Improving the flood and erosion resiliency of each park and improving park access and amenities. Flood and erosion resiliency improvements are funded in part by the Disaster Mitigation and Adaption Fund, a federal grant which invests in natural infrastructure projects to increase resilience for communities that are impacted by natural disasters triggered by climate change.
  2. Park amenity improvements are inspired by the City’s Waterfront Master Plan.

As part of this process public input is needed to help guide and shape these planned improvements.

Everitt Park

Identified as a quiet neighbourhood refuge, located off Lakeshore Boulevard in Kingston's west end, we plan to protect the park’s unique landscape and geological character while providing opportunities for solitude, exploration and rock shelf access. Drainage improvements will also reduce flooding of the pathway and seating areas.

Planned improvements include:

  • An accessible path network and seating options, with improved access to the rock shelf and Lake Ontario.
  • Improved drainage to minimize impacts of flooding.
  • Increase the quality of lookout points.

Crerar Park

This park is located along the shore in Kingston's west end, near Lakeshore Boulevard and Crerar Boulevard. The southern exposure and waterfront position create an opportunity to provide the community with a true beach experience that offers water-based amenities, a diversity of play, engaging opportunities for nature exploration, and accessibility. Drainage and shoreline protection improvements will also ensure the park can be enjoyed more frequently and into the future.

Planned improvements include:
  • Pathway network improvements.
  • Playground improvement to replace aging equipment.
  • Beach area improvements with consideration for swimming and canoe and kayak access.
  • Naturalization areas to protect the beach and shoreline and make the park more resilient to flooding and erosion.

Stay informed

Use the Follow Project feature on the page to make sure you receive updates.

  • What we learned

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    Why we engaged

    To obtain feedback from community members about preliminary plans for drainage, water access, accessibility, and play improvements for Everitt Park and Crerar Park.

    How we engaged

    The preliminary concept plans were shared with the public at Centre 70 Arena on November 13, 2024. About 30 community members were able to attend the in-person meeting to hear a presentation describing the scope of the project and design ideas, and to provide their thoughts and questions. Additionally, an online survey was made available through Get Involved Kingston between November 13 to December 4, 2024, for which 73 community members provided feedback, summarized below.

    A picture of crowd at the public information session hosted for the Crerar Park and Everitt Park engagement.

    Summary of feedback

    Crerar Park

    Respondents expressed a greater interest in improvements to water and beach access, as well as seating and viewing opportunities. Of secondary importance were improvements to play structures and pathways.

    Identified barriers to water access included the buildup of debris, organic matter, and algae that wash up on the beach seasonally, and after storms. During these events, access for swimming and other recreational activities is less desirable. There was a general interest for an increase in park and beach maintenance.

    The buildup of loose cobble from high water events and the lack of accessible features were noted as obstacles to beach access. There was generally a desire for small craft launching improvements for canoes and kayaks, but concern with the potential increase in traffic through the park and neighbourhood. Some expressed interest in a boat launch for small, motorized craft.

    The natural beauty of the park was mentioned as being important to its users. A balance between the groomed and wild appearance of the park was desired. Concerns over falling tree limbs from the existing willow trees were brought forward.

    Two layouts were presented for Crerar Park. Respondents were divided between the two options with only a slight advantage to the second layout. The larger open space for free play was preferred to a pathway dividing the park. Vehicular access further away from the beach and play area were the favoured aspects of Option 2. The location of the play structure in Option 2 was problematic with the risk of deadfall from the aging willows nearby. Those who preferred Option 1 were interested in the small craft launching improvements presented, accessibility improvements and bicycle parking.

    An image of the option 2 concept that was presented.

    Some respondents expressed that the existing play structure was in good working condition and may not require replacement. Others were interested in modest improvements to the play experience, but overall, a small playground is desired. Preferred play elements based on the survey included the integration of swings, a climber, and a slide. The addition of monkey bars and accessible play features was also mentioned during the in-person meeting.

    A pie graph showing the response breakdown for playground changes, 6% preferred no play structure and the same number of swings as exist there now, 21% preferred smaller play elements and similar number of swings as existing, 24% preferred similar play structure and fewer swings, 30% had no preference, and 19% selected other as an option.

    There was general agreement that there is a need to address the issue of frequent flooding because of poor drainage. Concerns were raised over existing vehicle parking opportunities and the impacts to the privacy and safety of neighbours. Lack of park maintenance and unsafe activities, such as off-leash dogs and other illicit behaviours were identified.

    Everitt Park

    In Everitt Park, respondents felt that shoreline access, the natural landscape, and open space were the most important characteristics of the park. Respondents admire the natural beauty, shade, and access to water, for a variety of recreational uses.

    Occasional flooding can limit access to the park, especially in the Spring. Viewing areas could be enhanced and made more accessible for wheelchair users. The west side of the park is a popular destination for wind surfing and there is a desire to maintain that function. Improvements to parking at the entrance to the park are desired. Illicit activities within the park have been observed and are of concern.

    An image of the Everitt Park plan concept.

    The flat rock shelf that stretches into the water make it easy to access the water, but it can be slippery or muddy, and a submerged and damaged pipe poses a risk to users.

    Next steps

    Design options will be updated to incorporate feedback received during this phase of public engagement. Once drawings have been refined, they will be shared. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.

Page last updated: 14 Feb 2025, 09:44 AM