Crerar Park and Everitt Park Improvements
Improvements are planned for Crerar Park and Everitt Park, with construction planned for 2026/2027. Improvements will focus on two areas:
- Improvements to flood and erosion resiliency are funded in part by the Disaster Mitigation and Adaption Fund. This federal grant invests in infrastructure projects that increase resiliency for communities impacted by climate change.
- Improvements to park amenities are inspired by the City’s Waterfront Master Plan and feedback received through public engagement.
An opportunity to provide feedback on preferred playground alternatives and on the design is available in the form of a survey.
Next steps include finalizing the design, acquiring permits and environmental approvals, and final budget approval. Construction start is anticipated in 2026.
Everitt Park
In Everitt Park, located off Lakeshore Boulevard in Kingston's west end, the following improvements are planned:
- Pathway, connecting the entrance of the park at Lakeshore Blvd. to the waterfront.
- From the pathway, access is provided to one picnic table and a lookout area.
- At the lookout area, a concrete pad with two new benches will be installed.
- Strategic grading throughout the park will lower the frequency of flooding.
Crerar Park
In Crerar Park, a waterfront park located in Kingston's Lakeshore District, the following improvements are planned:
- A paved path will connect the east and west extents of the park. The pathway will be designed to incorporate access to the beach, playground, benches, and picnic tables. The pathway is expected to improve existing small, non-motorized craft launching and access for swimming.
- Strategic grading and drainage improvements throughout the park will help lower the frequency of flooding.
- Vegetated beach cells will support natural beach processes, create diversity in habitat, and add aesthetic variation, while ensuring access to the beach is maintained.
- As a result of specific concerns heard from the public, informal vehicle parking within the west end of the park will be removed. This existing use results in a disturbance to neighbours and creates an uninviting space for play. Barriers (bollards) will be installed next to the existing pumping station to limit vehicular access into the park space. Additional plantings will add privacy and separation in the long term.
Playground improvements
The existing main play structure was determined to be in good working condition with several years of useful life expected. When it is replaced, it will be replaced it will be replaced with a new structure like the one below.
Boat launch
While the site was previously used as a formal boat launch and, more recently, an area for boat launching off of the beach, motorized craft launching improvements are not planned. The lack of slope, shallow water, and dynamic migration of the beach has often result in failed launch attempts. A formal boat ramp would likely require frequent maintenance, and a significant docking structure. Other concerns for privacy, safety, conflicts with other park uses, and changes to natural sediment movement, have contributed to the decision to focus improvements on beach access for non-motorized craft, launched by hand or by dolly.
Beach fouling
Several concerns were also brought forward regarding water quality and beach fouling. The KFL&A (Beach water listings - KFL&A Public Health) monitors water quality at Crerar Park. Users are encouraged to check the status of the beach prior to swimming at this location. Seasonal beach fouling has become a common occurrence throughout the Great Lakes. While some algae, such as blue-green algae, is toxic, Cladophora is a common alga that forms in the Great Lakes and is considered non-toxic. Cladophora can however carry bacteria, including E.coli, for which KFL&A tests. Increases in Cladophora are believed to be linked to excessive nutrient loading (including phosphorus from fertilizers), invasive species (such as mussels affecting water clarity), and climate change (warmer water).
Users are encouraged to submit service requests resulting from other forms of beach fouling (dead fish, garbage, spills, etc.).
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Reporting Out – Crerar and Everitt Park Refined survey
Why we engaged
After the first round of engagement in the fall of 2024, changes were implemented to initial design concepts. A survey was made to obtain feedback from community members about the refined design for Crerar and Everitt Park.
How we engaged
An online survey was made available through Get Involved Kingston between June 25th to July 6, for which 19 community members provided feedback. A summary of the feedback received is provided below.
Everitt Park
Respondents reiterated interest in water access, with requests for methods to enhance existing natural features. Requests included additional signage identifying water access and site constraints.
The natural feel of the park is desired by community members, with requests to preserve the existing vegetation as much as possible.
Crerar Park
Respondents provided feedback on refined design concepts. Most respondents felt positively about the changes reflected based on feedback received in 2024. Additional improvement suggestions and a reiteration of previous water quality concerns were voiced.
The open areas of the park are important to many. Some suggested more trees in the area while others felt some existing trees in the park block the view of the lake and of planned improvements. In designing shoreline protection measures, vegetation can contribute significantly to long-term stability. Trees also offer shade and habitat. The removal of trees will be minimized to those in poor health, and those required to achieve access.
Vehicle parking was a common concern for users of Crerar Park. As part of the refined concept, a small space dedicated to parking was provided near an existing pumping station at the northwest end of the park. Community members felt like the removal of parking within the park space may be challenging on busy days. While the parking within the park space, adjacent to the playground will be removed, roadside parking will remain to support the two dedicated parking areas.
Water quality concerns for swimming were reiterated. Crerar Park is considered an unsupervised designated swimming area by the City of Kingston, however, it is the user’s responsibility to ensure proper supervision and to consider wave and water quality conditions before entering the water. Swimmers do so at their own risk. The water at Crerar Park is sampled during the swimming season by KFL&A Public Health, with beach status provided to the public:
Beach water listings - KFL&A Public Health
Two proposed playground layouts were provided for Crerar Park, with a chance for respondents to vote on their preferred option.
Option 2 was preferred by one vote, suggesting both alternatives are viable. Based on the play value and variety of play opportunities provided in Option 2, it was selected with slight variations to increase inclusivity.
The final playground layout is provided below.
Next Steps
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
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What we learned
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
