Detailed Design Survey Reporting

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.