Ronald Lavallee Memorial Kiwanis Park Improvements

Phase 2 public meetings for Ronald Lavallee Memorial Kiwanis Park were held on September 16, 2024, at Molly Brant Elementary School, and on September 19, 2024, through Zoom to provide an overview of feedback received during Phase 1 consultation and present the details of the proposed improvements. Approximately 15 residents attended the meetings.

Feedback was also received through email and an online survey through Get Involved Kingston from September 16 to October 10 to understand residents’ preferences. Feedback was collected from approximately 20 respondents.

Summary of feedback

Playground comments

Majority of residents who participated preferred the playground equipment illustrated in Option 2. The structure was said to appear to be more versatile and accessible to various ages.

Those who preferred changes to the proposal wanted riskier play, more swings, or had some concerns with different aspects of the music equipment.

Of those who wanted to change the play equipment, seasaw is the most favoured alternative equipment.

Some residents were concerned with the potential noise generated from the music play equipment. Noise generated complaints from musical play equipment in a playground are not usually common and the playground is proposed to be located central to the park, thus, will be further from residents.

Other park comments

Many like the number of additional trees proposed in the park. It was suggested if higher branching trees could be placed near the playground to allow for viewing of the baseball game from the playground.

Having a shade shelter is welcomed for both protection from the rain and sun. 2 picnic tables under the shade shelter that allow for community gathering is desired. Generally, more seating around is preferred.

Encampment and vandalism have been occurring in the park and the abutting vacant school yard, particularly near the baseball diamond and splash pad area.

Lighting in the park was asked about. There will be lighting under the shade shelter. The future potential pathway connection to Seventh Ave could consider lighting. Resident abutting the future pathway connection raised concern about potential light impact. Impact would be reviewed if future phase if the future pathway was constructed.

Suggested that the retained building for the splash pad be a different colour.

Support the resurfacing of the tennis court.

Parking situation on Fourth Ave during baseball season has caused some safety concerns with residents. Suggest making the entrance more visible so cars don’t block access.

There were conflicting opinions on the need for basketball and current use of basketball play in the school yard. It would be a desirable amenity for older kids, but there was not a lot of interest received for this amenity. Basketball within or near the tennis court is too close to resident homes and may cause potential noise concerns given the different demographic that uses these amenities. Basketball would be considered in future subject to school divesture.

Questions

Could a tennis wall or pickleball court be considered in the park?

No, the current tennis court location is too close to residential homes. Both a tennis wall and pickleball have the potential to generate noise that is unwelcoming to neighbouring residents.

Can more regular swings or an expression swing be provided?

Based on feedback received, there doesn’t appear to be a large interest in more swings or different type of swing than what is proposed. As swings need a lot of space for safe play, the proposal is to keep with the same number of swings proposed rather than eliminating other proposed equipment or amenities.

Is accessibility being considered in the playground?

Engineered wood fibre is an accessible safety surface, as well as a hard surface access route to the playground is also proposed. Some accessible play features are included in the playground selection.

Is unique play equipment like natural play equipment being considered?

A smaller natural equipment option is an alternative option and will be considered if space can be accommodated. Providing all equipment in wood is a challenge for future long term maintenance.

Could you kick a ball around in the park?

A free play lawn will be provided in the design next to the playground. The field could be used for unstructured play like kicking a soccer ball.

Is a washroom considered in the renovation of the park?

A washroom is not part of the park renovation. It maybe considered in the future. Portlets are currently provided during baseball season in the park.

Is the splash pad changing?

No, the splash pad is not proposed to be part of the park renovation, but use of it will be impacted during construction of the renovation.

Will soils be sampled for contaminants?

As part of the construction process, soils will be sampled and tested. Any soil that leaves site would be disposed or reused as per regulation requirements.

How is a grass path different than gravel?

Gravel has a slightly more stable surface for accessibility than grass, and the cost is a lot more than grass.

Next steps

The design will be finalized and construction is anticipated to start in 2025.

Public meetings were held on March 6, 2024, at Catholique Cathedral Early Years Campus, and on March 7, 2024 through Zoom to discuss the improvements at Ronald Lavallee Memorial Kiwanis Park. Approximately 30 residents attended the meetings.

Feedback was also received through email and an online survey through Get Involved Kingston from March 6 to April 5 to understand how people use the space. Feedback was collected from approximately 35 respondents.

During the meetings, the site analysis, project schedule and scope of park improvement were presented and park layout options. The improvements include:

• Replace existing playground and improve accessibility
• Create new pedestrian connections
• Replace the existing, unused park building with a new community gathering space, shade shelter, benches and picnic table
• Enhance and improve sports field and tennis courts

Summary of feedback on proposed playground

Over 70 per cent of respondents preferred park layout Option 2, where the playground is clustered with the splash pad and central shade shelter area.

• The existing location of the splash pad and the play equipment in the park was noted as a challenge for parents to supervise their children.
• The some of the top activities participated in the park include free play, playing on the playground, splash pad, walking, enjoying nature and biking. This aligns with the top valued amenities in the park being playground, trees, splash pad, seating area and open lawn.
• In terms of access to the park, most people use the existing south-central staircase. There was some interest in access from the north end of the park through the school yard for easier access to the north ball diamond.
• A few noted challenges related to parking access near the park and being able to access the park via a stroller or wagon except for the east side.
• There is an interest in shade and more seating near trees to provide shade during supervision of children.
• Existing swings, the curved slide and the monkey bar are the top favourite play features. There is an interest in net climbers, different and more risky play, particularly for older children.
• There is some interest in a water filling station.

Question for clarification

Will there be a washroom in the park?

• No. There is a portlet that is brought to the site currently. The existing building has not been used as a washroom for over 30 years. The current scope of the project does not include washrooms. A washroom may be considered in the future.

Will there be lighting in the park?

• There will be lighting under the new shade shelter. Given the proximity of park amenities to neighbouring homes, there are no plans to provide lighting beyond the shade shelter.

Will there be a pickleball court in the park?

• Given the proximity of the court to neighbouring homes, there are no plans to provide a pickleball court in the park. There are pickleball courts in the central part of the City including Polson Park, Compton Park, Riverview Park and Belle Park. Future court plans can be found on the Park and Recreation Master Plan.

Can the outdoor skating rink be provided in the park, it was there in the past?

• The City operated outdoor skating rink was moved to the Third Avenue open space years ago. It is approximately 8 minutes walk away. With unpredictable and warming climate, it has been a challenge to maintain natural outdoor rink spaces.

Will the design types considered be a natural playground?

• Typically, this type of equipment is implemented in parks with a more natural setting. Natural play equipment is more expensive and has a higher maintenance cost, thus, is not widely used for these reasons.