Purdy's Mill Park

Why we engaged

The City sought feedback this past winter for Purdy’s Mill Park, a new park project being developed in the Purdy’s Mill subdivision, north of the Via Rail station. The park will be located an existing area of woodland and open space, east of Old Mill Road and north of Mill Pond Place.

The site has existing mature trees, some seasonally wet low areas, and views east to Little Cataraqui Creek and associated wetland. The new park could include walking trails, community gardens, a small playground, seating, lawns, tree-planting and landscaping. The approximate budget is $1.6M.

How we engaged

A public information session was hosted on Feb. 5 at Gibson Hall Christ Church Cataraqui on Sydenham Rd. A brief presentation from the design consultant reviewed their analysis of existing site conditions. Printed panels provided the same information at the meeting and City staff were present to answer questions and listen to feedback. The site analysis was also posted to the Get Involved page.

An online survey was available on Get Involved Kingston from February 5 until Feb. 26. This survey asked a how residents might use the park, as well as what they like about it now and what they would like to see. Responses provided will be used to inform the park design and to develop options. Options to submit feedback via email, mail or phone was also available.

Who we heard from

• 58 engaged participants completed the survey
• 21 participants attended the information session
• 734 aware participants visited the webpage to learn more about the project
• 9 participants engaged with the City for the first time on Get Involved Kingston

What we heard

Overall, respondents support the project. The majority of respondents noted their appreciation of the existing natural areas and elements in the park including existing trees and shrubs and wanted to see these areas protected and/or enhanced as part of the park design. There was also strong support for pathways and accessible features such seating and a shade structure. Participants provided some suggestions for park amenities including a play structure and other recreational features.

Residents also mentioned their preference to use the Stormpond lands to the east of the park site for walking, and preferred to include the pedestrian walkway on Mill Pond Place as a park access route. We also heard that some residents are concerned about the potential for environmental impact to the site, and others are worried about the associated park development costs. Below is a summary of survey responses.

Question 1: Site Features

When asked about the best features of the current site, participants selected “mature trees and shrubs’ (49 responses) and ‘forested areas’ (45 responses) most often, followed by ‘wildlife’ (35 responses), ‘views to wetland’ (32 responses) and ‘open area’ (25 responses).

5 respondents selected ‘Other,’ mentioning walking paths, pet friendly areas, cemetery views and the Stormwater pond.

Question 2: Park Amenities

When asked about which site amenities residents would like to see incorporated into the new park, ‘walking pathways’ were selected most often (53 responses) of the amenity options provided. Other popular responses were ‘seating’ (37 responses), ‘shade structure / shelter’ (32 responses) and ‘playground’ (31 responses).

Of the 15 participants that selected ‘other,’ the proposed amenities included fruit trees, garbage cans, bathrooms, interactive play areas, gardens, a dog park, skate park, basketball area, adult exercise equipment and ‘no further development.’

Figure B: Park Amenities

Question 3: Park Usage

Most respondents see themselves using the site for ‘walking’ (49 responses) and ‘enjoying nature’ (43 responses). Those who responded ‘other’ (9 responses) mentioned using the play structure, an off leash dog park, walking to the cemetery, using outdoor exercise equipment and cycling.

Figure C: Park Usage

Question 4: Additional Comments

33 respondents provided additional comments. Feedback received is generally positive with constructive suggestions and some concerns for amenities, connectivity, safety, maintenance and environmental maintenance.

• Park Amenities (13 comments) Some comments include suggestions for various amenities, such as a playground, splash pads, basketball areas, bicycle pump tracks, adult workout equipment, tree identification signage, bird watching areas and off leash dog parks.
• Support (8 comments): Some comments express general support for the park development and specific amenities without further comment.
• Connectivity and Accessibility (8 comments): Several comments highlight the importance of connecting the park to existing pathways and trails. There is a desire for paved walkways and accessible paths to enhance connectivity and accessibility for all residents.
• Environmental Impact (8 comments): There are some concerns about the impact of development on existing natural areas, emphasizing the need to protect wetlands, trees and wildlife. Specific mentions of trees being cut down, and the impact development and lighting would have on wildlife.
• Concerns (7 comments): Specific concerns mostly focus on the environmental impact, with two commenters worried about the cost of development.
• Safety (1 comment): One respondent stresses the importance of safety, particularly for seniors living nearby.

Next Steps

Park design is expected to continue during Summer 2025. A second round of Community Engagement will occur in Fall 2025, with an opportunity for the public to engage and share feedback on the design at this time. Park construction is anticipated to start in 2027.

Purdy's Mill Park is a new park development in the Purdy’s Mill subdivision located east of the Little Cataraqui Creek, west of the Cataraqui Cemetery, and north of the Via Rail station.

The total park area is 2.75 hectares (6.7 acres) with 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) of parkland and the balance as low-lying open space.

The site has mature trees, seasonally wet low areas, and open areas with views to the east of the Little Cataraqui Creek and wetland.

The new park could include walking paths and trails, a shade shelter, seating, a small playground, community gardens, open lawn areas, and landscaping.

Public engagement for the park design is slated for 2025, construction anticipated to start in 2027. The approximate budget is approximately $1.6M

Purdy’s Mill Park is located in an existing area of woodland and open space, east of Old Mill Road and north of Mill Pond Place in the Purdy’s Mill Subdivision.

The site has mature trees, areas of open space, and seasonally wet low areas. The site is located west of Little Cataraqui Creek and associated wetland.

The new park could include walking paths and trails, a shade shelter, seating, a small playground, community gardens, open lawn areas, and landscaping.

This boards shows the following views:

1. View from Old Mill Road, looking east towards the project site.
2. View from site, looking east towards the storm pond.
3. View looking west from the site towards the residential buildings on Old Mill Road.
4. View from site looking north-west.
5. View from site looking south-east towards stand of mature trees.
6. View from site looking south-west towards residential buildings on Old Mill Road.
7. View from site looking north-west.
8. View from the site looking south towards stand of mature trees.

This board provides inspiration for potential park features including play equipment, a shade structure, seating and gathering spaces, as well as new plantings.

Walking paths and pedestrian crossings in the seasonally wet areas allow for year-round site access.

Structures, designed to provide shade, can play a role as wayfinding elements within the site.