Proposal for Open Space Disposition to Support an Indoor Sportsplex
The City of Kingston is seeking input on the proposed disposition of a two-acre parcel of John Machin Fields Park. It is designated “Open Space” in the Official Plan and currently contains a mid-sized soccer field and pathway and is located next to 735 Innovation Drive. 735 Innovation Drive is part of the business park lands; it is three acres in size and a portion of it has been informally used as a parking area for John Machin Park.
A prospective purchaser is looking to establish an approximately 7,000 square metre all-season (permanent) indoor sports facility on 735 Innovation Drive. Approximately five acres is required for the development of a building and associated parking; proposed parking would also be available for John Machin soccer field users during the peak outdoor soccer season.
Proposed development:
- 7000 sq m facility on 735 Innovation Drive (indoor sportsplex);
- Parking lot on two-acre parcel east of 735 Innovation Drive associated with the sportsplex facility;
- A public pathway from the Greenwood Park Trail to Innovation Drive on the west part of the site
Background
With the closure of the indoor sportsplex at 1485 Westbrook Road, there is currently no indoor multisport facility available for public use in Kingston. A significant number of inquiries on the lack of this facility have been received from the public by staff and the Mayor’s Office. City staff were approached by a group who is looking to establish an approximately 7,000 square metre all-season (permanent) indoor sports facility to address this gap.
The proposed development would require an approximate five-acre parcel: three-acres for the facility and two-acres for associated parking. The only suitable option currently available with an opportune location is in St. Lawrence Business Park. The City owns a vacant three-acre parcel adjacent to the John Machin soccer fields at 735 Innovation Drive. If two acres of the soccer field land to the east were added to 735 Innovation Drive, it would be an optimal site for the proposed development. The City of Kingston is seeking public feedback on the proposed disposition of the two-acre parcel of the park.
The Official Plan requires the City to conduct a public meeting on the disposition of parkland. Feedback from this engagement would be reported back to Council for their consideration. The terms of the disposition of the parkland would also be subject to Council approval.
Project Impacts
- Strategic Priority: The proposed development of an Indoor Sportsplex aligns with City Council’s Strategic Priority: Build an active and connected community and Goal 3.1: Expand parks and recreation opportunities and participation.
- John Machin Park: The proposed sale of two acres of soccer field land to the prospective purchaser, if approved by Council, would result in the removal of a three-quarter sized soccer field and impacts the location of the existing pathway. It will also result in the addition of an indoor sportsplex with a full-size soccer field.
- Zoning: 735 Innovation Dr. is part of the employment lands inventory and it is currently zoned Business Park (M1). The proposed development would require a zoning by-law amendment for 735 Innovation Dr. from M1 zone to OS zone. Public will have additional opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed development as a separate public consultation will take place for the zoning by-law amendment.
Have Your Say
Residents are encourage to share feedback on this project before October 3 by using the survey tool below. You’re also invited to come to a Public Open House at Kingston East Community Centre on September 18 (details below).