HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 06-18 Report to
P JCKE fel NV Executive Committee
Report Number: CS 06-18
Date: January 8, 2018
From: Marisa Carpino
Director, Community Services
Subject: Recreation & Parks Master Plan and Skateboard Park Strategy
- Final Reports
- File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1. That the Recreation & Parks Master Plan Final Report (December 2017) be endorsed in
principle;
2. That the Skateboard Park Strategy (December 2017) be endorsed in principle; and
3. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: As per Council Resolutions #211/16 and #80/15, the consulting
services of Monteith Brown Planning Consultants Inc. was retained to undertake the Recreation &
Parks Master Plan and Skateboard Park Strategy for the City of Pickering.
The purpose of the Recreation & Parks Master Plan is to guide future City decisions regarding
Pickering's recreational facilities, programs and parks service delivery over the next ten years. It
will enhance the City's capacity to better provide, plan, facilitate and deliver the recreational needs
of the community, at present and into the future.
The purpose of the Skateboard Park Strategy is to identify a framework for a skateboard park
network within the City of Pickering, and to select a location and provide a concept design for the
City's priority skateboard park site.
After extensive community consultation and a comprehensive review of market demand,
participation data, projected population growth and shifts in leisure interests and service delivery
options, the Recreation & Parks Master Plan and Skateboard Park Strategy are now complete.
The reports can be found under separate cover on the city's website at
pickering.ca/recreationandparks.
At this time, City staff seek Council's endorsement of the Recreation & Parks Master Plan Final
Report (December 2017) and Skateboard Park Strategy (December 2017) in principle. The
recommendations outlined in these reports will be used by staff to guide the planning and
implementation of recreation and parks services to meet the needs of our community.
CS 06-18 January 8, 2018
Subject: Recreation & Parks Master Plan and Skateboard Park Strategy Page 2
Recommendations to repurpose and/or relocate the City's existing services, facilities and sports
fields will involve the consultation of applicable user groups and members through focus group
sessions and other consultative methods, prior to implementation.
Financial Implications: Financial implications will be further evaluated by the Director,
Community Services and Director, Engineering Services in consultation with the Director, Finance
and Treasurer. The implementation for each project will depend on when sufficient funds will be
available to undertake such work.
Financing and implementation of recommended projects will be brought back to Council for
consideration and final approval.
Discussion: The City of Pickering's existing Recreation & Parks Master Plan was
completed in 2002 and provided recommendations over a span of ten years. This outdated plan,
coupled with the anticipated development of Seaton in Central Pickering, caused City staff to
identify the development of a new Recreation & Parks Master Plan as an immediate need.
Accordingly, the Recreation & Parks Master Plan was included as a project in the approved 2016
Current Budget.
Prior to the installation of a second skateboard facility within the City of Pickering and
repairs/upgrades to the City's only existing skateboard facility in Diana, Princess of Wales Park,
Council requested through Council Resolution #80/15 that a City wide Skateboard Park Strategy
be prepared to determine the overall need and most appropriate locations for skateboard facilities
within the City, including the Seaton Lands.
Therefore, in accordance with Council Resolutions #211/16 and #80/15, the consulting services of
Monteith Brown Planning Consultants Inc. was retained to undertake the Recreation & Parks
Master Plan for the City of Pickering. Monteith Brown Planning Consultants partnered with der
Zalm + associates and New Line Skateparks to also complete a Skateboard Park Strategy as a
supplement to the Recreation & Parks Master Plan.
The Recreation & Parks Master Plan and Skateboard Park Strategy will guide future City
decisions on Pickering's recreational facilities, programs and parks service delivery over the next
10 year period.
An extensive community consultation campaign was launched from January 2017 to March 2017
(inclusive) to include random household surveys, online User/Community/Sport Group stakeholder
surveys, public input sessions, pop-up events, public open house, written comments via Pickering
website, Council interviews and Staff focus group sessions. The community consultation
campaign was promoted in a variety of ways including newsprint advertisement, eNewsletters,
eblasts, roadside signs, electronic facility signs, facility banners/posters/display boards, social
media (facebook, twitter and Instagram), dedicated webpage, media release, and the Family
Calendar. Over 500 people directly participated in consultations, many of whom spoke on behalf
of hundreds of others in their household and/or community organizations. Their ideas collectively
helped shape the recommendations in the Recreation & Parks Master Plan and Skateboard Park
Strategy.
CS 06-18 January 8, 2018
•
Subject: Recreation & Parks Master Plan and Skateboard Park Strategy Page 3
Similarly, the community was also invited to comment on the draft reports during the period of
November 16 to December 6, 2017. The Consultants and City staff also hosted a Public Open
House on November 27, 2017 at the Pickering Recreation Complex. Valuable feedback was
collected and considered in the final rendering of the Recreation & Parks Master Plan and
Skateboard Park Strategy. We gratefully acknowledge the support and participation of the
residents and community groups without whom these reports would not be possible.
Clearly, the overall master plan process has provided for an opportunity to assess current
services, measure community satisfaction, and develop a strategic plan that will meet the needs of
our community for future years.
The Recreation & Parks Master Plan and Skateboard Park Strategy is now complete and is
available under separate cover on the city's website at pickering.ca/recreationandparks. Hard
copies have also been made available to the public upon request.
The reports have been designed to be a concise and user friendly document easily referenced by
- staff, elected officials and members of the community. They identify a ten year recreation and
parks service plan and skateboard park strategy for Pickering, including the new growth of
Seaton. Recommendations to repurpose and/or relocate the City's existing services, facilities
and sports fields will first involve the consultation of applicable user groups and members through
focus group sessions and other consultative methods, prior to implementation.
Clearly, the Master Plan and Skateboard Park Strategy will allow the City of Pickering to be
proactive and prepare for the current and future.needs of this community.
Attachments:
1. Recreation & Parks Master Plan (December 2017) Executive Summary
2. Skateboard Park Strategy (December 2017) Executive Summary
CS 06-18 January 8, 2018
Subject: Recreation & Parks Master Plan and Skateboard Park Strategy Page 4
Prepared/Approved/Endorsed By:
Marisa Carpino
Director, Community Services
/////
Rich rd Hol.•rn
Di ctor, Engineering Services
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Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
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Tony 'revedel, P.Eng.
Chief Administrative Officer
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The Master Planning Context
Pickering's recreation and parks system is essential to the well-being of its residents.
Recreation facilities, parks and the wealth of quality programs that take place within them
provide Pickering's residents with countless physical, psychological, economic and
environmental benefits. By the year 2026, the number of people living in Pickering is
projected to grow from 96,000 at present to more than 135,000 persons. With nearly
40,000 more people (33,000 of whom are forecasted to be located in Seaton) expected
to arrive in Pickering over this time, a plan is needed for recreation and parks services to
keep pace. A strategy is also required to respond to the changing interests and abilities
of residents given that Pickering continues to become increasingly diverse in terms of
people of different ages, incomes, cultural backgrounds and abilities/disabilities.
The Recreation and Parks Master Plan guides decision-making to the year 2026 for
indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, parks, and related programs and services
provided by the City of Pickering. The Vision set out for parks and recreation services in
Pickering is as follows:
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Over 500 people directly participated in consultations held throughout the master planning
period, many of whom spoke on behalf of hundreds of others in their households and/or
community organizations. Their ideas collectively helped shape the Master Plan through
their involvement in public input sessions, pop-up events, surveys, workshops, interviews
and written submissions. The most common themes arising out of the consultations were:
• Residents enjoy the local recreation and parks system, most notably the Pickering
Recreation Complex, the types of programs and services available to them, as well as
Pickering's waterfront, parks, and green spaces.
• Making sure programs are available for a wide range of age groups as well as for
people that have interests beyond sport (e.g. programs for families, arts and crafts,
individual health and fitness).
• Enhancing the parks system by expanding the trail system, investing in the Pickering
waterfront, and improving various amenities (such as shade areas, garbage bins,
seating, washrooms, etc.).
• Recreation and parks opportunities should be inclusive and accessible to all members
of the community.
Executive Summary
City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Master Plan
ATTACH MENT# - TO REPORT# S06)-�
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The Recreation and Parks Master Plan contains 77 recommendations to be implemented
over the next ten years. The following is a synopsis of the most pressing actions for the
City to undertake, listed in no particular order:
Aligning with the Framework for Recreation in Canada
One of the most recent national studies and determination of priorities is the Framework
for Recreation in Canada (F.R.C.). The F.R.C. was developed over the course of three
years and involved a significant amount of consultation with Canadians as to their
thoughts on the benefits and importance of recreation. The Canadian Parks and
Recreation Association in collaboration with the Interprovincial/Territorial Governments—
through the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council and the Provincial /Territorial
Recreation and Parks Associations — developed a framework that rejuvenates the
definition of recreation and parks, articulates the economic impacts of recreation and
parks as well as the benefits and key goals and strategies that should be evident in each
community across Canada. This Framework is extremely relevant to the City of Pickering
and is referenced in developing relevant and key directions for the City.
The majority of the Master Plan's recommendations align with one or more the F.R.C.'s
goals which are:
• Active Living: Foster active living through physical recreation
• Inclusion and Access: Increase inclusion and access to recreation for population
that face constraints to participation
• Connecting People and Nature: Help people connect to nature through
recreation
• Supportive Environments: Ensure the provision of supportive physical and social
environments that encourage participation in recreation and build strong, caring
communities
• Recreation Capacity: Ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the
recreation field
Recreation Facilities and Parks for the Seaton Community
In the years to come, Pickering is set to undergo substantial growth as a result of the
planned developments in the Seaton community, as identified through the Central
Pickering Development Plan. Presently an undeveloped area occupied by very few
people, Seaton could ultimately be home to 70,000 residents with nearly half of these
(33,000) expected to live there by the year 2026. As a result of this growth, greater
pressures will be placed on all of Pickering's recreation and parks system compared to
years past, but particularly in the Seaton community given that most services are now
located in Pickering's established areas to the south.
Executive Summary 2
City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Master Plan
ATTACHMENT#_1_TOREPORT#, CS O&-1 e
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The majority of growth-related recommendations arising out of the Recreation and Parks
Master Plan are a result of residential developments in the Seaton community, which
accounts for over three-quarters of forecasted population growth in Pickering during the
master planning period. To address the needs of the more than 33,000 new residents
expected in Seaton by the year 2026, the Master Plan recommends the following strategy
for recreation and park services in Seaton.
Lands for Parks and Recreation Facilities
Through the approved Neighbourhood Plan for Seaton and resulting draft plans of
subdivision, the Seaton community will be served by 90 hectares (223 acres) of municipal
parkland upon its ultimate build-out that is distributed through 1 City Park (formerly known
as District Park), 4 Community Parks, 12 Neighbourhood Parks, and 27 Village Greens.
These lands will provide opportunity through which to address needs for active and
passive forms of recreation. Within the master planning period, 37% of the area's
parkland (34.8 hectares or 86.1 acres) is expected to be conveyed to the City.
Official Plan Amendment No. 22 designates lands for a recreation facility southeast of
Whitevale Road and Sideline 24. It is at this location where a new multi-use recreation
facility, as described in subsequent paragraphs, is proposed to be located. Beyond the
year 2027, land at the northeast corner of Brock Road and Whitevale Road have been
designated for a second indoor community recreation facility.
A New Multi-Use Recreation Facility
When Pickering's population reaches approximately 120,000, anticipated around the year
2021, the City should consider building a multi-use recreation facility at the Community
Park identified through the OPA 22 located southeast of Whitevale Road and Sideline 24.
This new recreation facility is envisioned to be a major community hub for recreation
activity with sport-friendly design as well as for other civic uses that may be rationalized
through separate analyses. The multi-use community centre would contain the following
recreational components:
• Indoor Aquatics Centre employing a multi-tank template containing a 25 metre,
6 lane rectangular pool and a free-form leisure pool in order to facilitate a diverse
range of aquatic programming. The leisure pool would optimally contain features
such as zero-depth entry, water play features, and also be designed to
accommodate lessons for younger age groups as well as aquatic fitness programs.
• Fitness Centre containing aerobic and free-weight equipment, group fitness
studio, and complementary amenities such as saunas and hot tubs to complement
the indoor aquatic centre, particularly from a therapeutic programming perspective.
Opportunities to integrate digital media systems and the latest technologies to
enhance the health and wellness experience for users should also be
contemplated, including the infrastructure space required to adapt to new
technologies.
Executive Summary 3
City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Master Plan
ATTACHMENT# TOREPORI#_410 6-I-8
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• Full Size Double gymnasium designed to accommodate regional level
competitions (at a minimum) and to be subdivided into smaller gyms to allow
simultaneous programming to take place. The gym floor should be lined in a
manner that allows sports such as (but not limited to) basketball, volleyball, and
pickleball to take place while ensuring sufficient playout lines between the court
and surrounding walls.
• Indoor Walking Track located either within the fitness centre or suspended above
the gymnasium via a second floor access. Most designs employ a two or three
lane configuration with elastomeric resilient surface and lane lines which is
sufficient for general public use (walking and light jogging). If designed to
encourage distance running or sprinting, other sport-friendly design features would
need to be considered—along with their added costs - including length of the track,
more durable and cushioned surfacing, banked corners, and increasing the
number of lanes.
• Dedicated Youth Space through which components should be designed in
consultation with local youth and teens, embodying the City's successful
philosophies that have resulted in it being recognized as a Platinum-level Youth
Friendly Community. At an early stage, a youth space would benefit from areas
oriented to hanging out, accessing multi-media equipment, study space, etc.
• Multi-Purpose Program Rooms designed to accommodate general interest
programs, community rentals for gatherings and meetings, arts and craft activities,
and potentially some active living programs to relieve pressures on the group
fitness studio. Design features should consider flexibility of space through durable
flooring, appropriate ceiling heights, integration of audio-visual equipment for
meetings, and/or storage. One multi-purpose program room should be designed
in a manner to be re-purposed to dedicated older adult space, should it be required
over the long-term, as there is insufficient evidence of demand at present to
warrant the provision of older adult space.
The ultimate design of the facility components, including the features contained within
them, should be confirmed through the detailed design stage that would likely be initiated
sometime around the year 2020. As part of that architectural design phase, subsequent
community engagement would be beneficial to ensure that the ultimate community centre
design is reflective of public opinions as well as best practices in sport-friendly features,
barrier-free accessibility, safety, and functionality. The community centre should also be
designed under the premise that it would be expanded through a second phase of
construction thereby leaving sufficient room on the site to add a multi-pad arena, if
supported by a mid-term Arena Provision Strategy.
Integration of a splash pad within that Community Park would allow residents to benefit
from the community centre's washrooms, change rooms and parking while reinforcing the
site as a year-round destination of activity. Depending upon site availability, inclusion of
sports fields should also be considered as should a library branch in recognition of the
Pickering Public Libraries' 10-Year Facilities Plan (2010) that recommends a District
Executive Summary 4
City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Master Plan
Al fACHMEiv i# 1_- io REFORM#.GS .0&-18
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Branch to serve Seaton (an updated library assessment would be required given library
services are not in the scope of this Master Plan). Ideally, the community centre would be
connected to the City's trails/active transportation network and would be serviced by
transit to maximize its accessibility.
Sports Field Development
Seaton provides an opportunity to enhance the City's supply of sports fields given its
relatively undeveloped state, more so than areas of Pickering that are more established
and land acquisition for fields is more difficult or cost-prohibitive. The following sports
fields are recommended for the Seaton community:
• Rectangular Fields consisting of one lit artificial full size field and four lit natural
grass fields at a future Community Park(s). In addition, four unlit natural grass
fields should be constructed at future Community and/or Neighbourhood Parks.
The Master Plan also recommends removing two existing soccer fields from
Brockridge Community Park in South Pickering and relocating them to a
Neighbourhood Park(s) in Seaton. Collectively, this strategy would add 11 soccer
fields in the Seaton community that would provide the "unlit equivalent" of 14 fields
due to the proposed use of artificial turf and field lighting systems that extend the
playing capacity of the fields.
• Ball Diamonds consisting of two lit softball diamonds co-located at a Community
Park to facilitate simultaneous games and tournaments, along with two unlit
hardball diamonds at a Neighbourhood Park (unless there is sufficient room at the
Community Park proposed for softball diamonds that would allow the City to create
a ball diamond complex). Collectively, this strategy would add 4 ball diamonds in
the Seaton community that would provide the "unlit equivalent" of 5 diamonds due
to the proposed field lighting systems.
• Cricket Pitch requirements are such that Pickering requires one venue over the
master planning period and would thus be addressed by the pitch at Alex
Robertson Park. However, the existing cricket pitch is undersized and its user
groups are looking for selected improvements to enhance the playing experience
but it would be risky for the City to invest in its existing pitch without a long-term
guarantee of access given it sits on leased land. Removing the cricket pitch from
Alex Robertson Park and relocating it to a future park in Seaton is an opportunity
worth considering provided that its planned base of parkland can accommodate a
pitch, quantifiable demand for cricket is demonstrated, and that the cultural
makeup of Seaton creates a sufficient market for cricket. •
A Recreation Services Plan for Seaton
A number of other recreation and parks amenities have been recommended for the
Seaton including a community garden (contingent on a willing community organization
contributing towards its general maintenance and operation), six tennis courts distributed
across three parks, three basketball courts at up to three parks, and a minimum of eleven
•
Executive Summary 5
City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Master Plan
ATTACHMENT#_. _TO REPORT#hiS
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playgrounds with the intent that all residential areas have access to a playground within
an 800 metre service radius unobstructed by major pedestrian barriers. In addition to the
splash pad recommended at the multi-use recreation facility site, an additional splash pad
should be provided at a future Village Green as part of an ongoing discussion with the
land development industry. .
Upon the Seaton community beginning to develop more robustly and attaining a critical
mass of population, the City should develop a Recreation Service Plan specifically for
Seaton in order to be proactive about the programming and service needs of the
increased population. At a minimum, this would include a communications strategy to
promote existing City of Pickering recreation and parks services, an approach to
providing/enabling the appropriate range of services in Seaton, and engaging residents
to form self-governing groups to bolster community capacity in supplementing the number
and type of recreation activities in the area.
Constructing a Seniors' and Youth Centre in Downtown Pickering
With greater demands for housing throughout the G.T.A., Pickering and many area
municipalities are creatively exploring ways to increase residential densities within
established areas. Known as infill or intensification-related development, Pickering is
planning ways to accommodate new residents within its City Centre and create a livable,
vibrant environment that provides quality civic services including through recreation and
parks. Although much of intensification related growth will occur beyond the master
planning period, Pickering has been experiencing growth in the City Centre and the
number of persons living there is projected to increase by 73% over the course of the
master planning period.
It is important for the City to proactively provide recreation and parks amenities in
established areas where significant growth is expected to occur, largely because
developable land is at a premium and often expensive to purchase or redevelop. The
most notable recommendation of the Master Plan as it relates to the City Centre is to
construct a new Seniors' and Youth Centre, re-affirming previous analyses completed by
the City. The vision for a new Seniors' and Youth Community Centre is to be located
adjacent to the Pickering Civic Centre and Library, and would effectively replace the 70
year old East Shore Community Centre. The adjacency of the proposed facility to the
Central Library should also provide unique and supportive programming opportunities to
the benefit of youth and seniors.
Based on an evaluation of recreation space needs through the Master Plan, the Seniors'
and Youth Community Centre should include the following recreational components:
• Dedicated Spaces for Older Adults and Youth, designed in consultation with
residents representing those respective age categories and embodying Age-
Friendly and Youth-Friendly design philosophies. Productivity areas such as
computer or multi-media labs should also be considered as should "green rooms"
for sound and video editing, music studios, lounges and games rooms, etc.
Executive Summary 6
City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Master Plan
ATTACHMENT#=TOREPORT#_
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• Full Size Gymnasium that is lined in a manner that allows sports such as (but
not limited to) basketball, volleyball, badminton and pickleball to take place while
ensuring sufficient playout lines between the court and surrounding walls.
• Multi-Purpose Program Rooms designed to accommodate general interest
programs, gatherings and meetings, arts and craft activities, and potentially some
active living programs to relieve pressures on the gymnasium. Design features
should consider flexibility of space through durable flooring, appropriate ceiling
heights, integration of audio-visual equipment for meetings, and/or storage.
Timing for construction should take place within the next five years given the East Shore
Community Centre's condition and its ongoing challenges in meeting community
programming demands. Once constructed is complete, all programming from East Shore
should be shifted to the new community centre after which the City should investigate
options to repurpose or decommission the East Shore Community Centre.
Connecting Physical Activities to the Outdoors
Parks and natural area lands are an oasis within urban environments, providing the
connection to nature and green space that humans instinctively crave. Increasing
urbanization has heightened the role of parkland in providing important recreation, cultural
and social opportunities for people particularly as urbanization and busy lifestyles is
resulting in many people not getting outdoors enough. There is literature to suggest a
disconnection to nature can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, aggression, sadness
and negative emotions. Furthermore, children are given fewer opportunities to engage in
outdoor and `risky' play compared previous generations which has led to less time being
spent outdoors and more time spent indoors engaged in sedentary behaviours (and most
likely in front of screens).
The Master Plan emphasizes the "reconnection" to the outdoors through parks and
recreation experiences. From recommendations aimed at bolstering parkland supplies
and quality of design to constructing sports fields, hard surface courts, and splash pads,
the intent is to make the outdoors part of the daily physical activity regimen among
Pickering residents. Also of note is a recommendation for the City to explore `adventure'
playground designs that centred upon balance, agility and replication of what today
constitutes `risky' environments despite it not being perceived as such in the past. Beyond
the provision of facilities is the `animation' of outdoor public spaces so that multi-seasonal
program opportunities can be facilitated formally or informally through use of sensory
gardens, areas for yoga and tai chi, integration of small berms for interval training, etc.
Continue Collaborations and the Pursuit of Partnerships
The City works with its partners to provide the highest level of service to the public while
considering sharing of resources and reducing duplication. The City is open to working
with community partners and has numerous arrangements in place. In all partnership
arrangements, specifications and requirements must ensure that the partner respects and
Executive Summary 7
City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Master Plan
ATTACHMENT# 2 TO REPORT#(O&`� S
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aligns with the Department's vision, mandate, values, strategic priorities and service
standards. The value in seeking out partnerships to provide a net benefit to both
organizations and essentially reduce costs to the municipality. The City should continue
to maximize partnerships with community agencies to broaden recreation and parks
opportunities to the public with consideration given to cost containment and other
community benefits.
Pricing Programs and Services to be Fair and Sustainable
The City of Pickering's pricing of rates and fees for parks and recreation services is, for
the most part, based on historical pricing plus inflation and a comparison to the market.
This approach relies on historical practices and does not reflect cost recovery based on
the true cost of the service. Current best practices in recreation pricing suggest that a
municipality first understand the cost to deliver the service including both direct and
indirect costs which can then be used to determine where efficiencies could be gained. A
Pricing Policy could then be developed to determine the value of the program or service
to individual and community good and the percentage of the program or service that must
be cost recoverable to ensure fiscal sustainability over time.
The City will need to undertake work in order to set a defensible pricing policy. It is strongly
recommended that staff work to fully understand and define the true costs of programs
and services so that a subsequent pricing policy can outline what percentage of the costs
should be recovered through rates and fees.
Summary of the Master Plan's Recommendations
The following is a summary of all 77 recommendations contained in the Recreation and
Parks Master Plan, categorized by facility and service delivery areas of focus.
Parks System
1. Adopt a new parkland hierarchy system as part of a future Official Plan Review or
amendment,.based on the framework identified in the Recreation and Parks Master
Plan to provide greater clarity and accuracy towards locational characteristics,
service area, permitted uses, and other details to guide the development and
redevelopment of parkland in Pickering.
2. On an opportunity basis, pursue opportunities to acquire parkland over and above
the 34.8 hectares planned for acquisition by the year 2026 to address the needs of
areas under growth pressures and service gaps, through use of parkland
development strategies identified in this Master Plan. The acquisition and
development of future parkland shall have regard for the natural heritage system
and as necessary, consultation with the T.R.C.A. is encouraged.
Executive Summary 8
City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Master Plan
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3. During the next Official Plan Review, consider the City's parkland dedication policies
to ensure that they are consistent with the amended Planning Act as a result of Bill
73.
4. To supplement parkland dedications, utilize alternative parkland acquisition tools to
enhance future parkland opportunities. Potential strategies include partnerships
(e.g., T.R.C.A., school board, Hydro One, etc.), land purchase, or other methods
described in this Master Plan. Emphasis should be placed on securing suitably sized
and quality parkland parcels oriented towards recreational uses.
5. Continue to monitor the use and evaluate opportunities to expand the number of
garden plots available at Diana, Princess of Wales Park as surrounding areas
intensify residential lands. Any expansion of the community garden should be
undertaken in conjunction with the Valley Plentiful Community Gardeners. The City
should also investigate the potential to provide parking near the garden plots to
provide gardeners with convenient and accessible access.
6. Establish a second community garden in Seaton contingent on seeking a willing
community organization that will commit human and/or financial resources towards
general maintenance and operation of the community garden. In consultation with
residents and community stakeholders, a suitable site in Seaton should be selected,
with consideration given to being centrally located, co-located with other recreation
and park facilities, available amenities (e.g., water), and other site criteria identified
by the City.
7. Monitor the usage and carrying capacity of the Grand Valley Park leash free area.
Should the City receive significant requests and supporting study determines the
need for additional leash free area, investigate appropriate locations and potential
partnerships at that time.
8. With respect to the planning of active transportation infrastructure, Pickering's
Integrated Transportation Master Plan should enhance existing recreational and
utilitarian connections, linking future parks with the existing network, active
transportation design, supporting amenities, maintenance, accessibility, and other
relevant land uses/destinations as identified by the City. Alignment with T.R.C.A.'s
Trails Strategy (which is currently being completed) is also encouraged.
Indoor Recreation Facilities
9. Detailed design of future indoor recreation facilities should be undertaken with an
architect and in consultation with stakeholders and the public to define the allocation
of space by component, confirm space needs, and to identify required supporting
amenities (including sport-friendly features).
Executive Summary 9
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10. Construct a new multi-use recreation facility in Seaton as Pickering's population
reaches approximately 120,000 (forecasted after 2021), which should include a 25
metre, 6 lane rectangular indoor pool and separate warm water leisure pool, fitness
centre and studio,full size double gymnasium,walking track, dedicated youth space,
and multi-purpose spaces.
11. Construct a Seniors' and Youth Community Centre in Pickering's City Centre within
the next five years to replace the aging East Shore Community Centre. The new
Community Centre should include a full size gymnasium with an elevated walking
track, dedicated spaces for older adults and youth, and multi-purpose spaces.
12. Contingent upon the construction of the Seniors' and Youth Community Centre in
Pickering's City Centre, investigate options to repurpose or decommission the East
Shore Community Centre due to its advanced age and deteriorating condition,which
has limited the functionality to program space optimally to meet .the needs of
residents.
13. Design the recommended multi-use recreation facility in the Seaton area in a manner
that allows it to be expanded to include a multi-pad arena through a second
construction phase, contingent upon findings of a comprehensive arena provision
strategy (Recommendation #14) undertaken at a future time.
14 Prepare an Arena Provision Strategy, or a comprehensive arena assessment as part
of the scheduled 5-Year Update to the Recreation and Parks Master Plan, to
determine whether a net expansion to the City's supply of ice pads and/or relocation
of an existing ice pad(s) is warranted based on prevailing market forces and arena
operating conditions.
15. Construct one indoor pool as part of a multi-use community centre in Seaton as the
population reaches approximately 120,000 (forecasted after the year 2021). The
indoor pool should contain a 25 metre, 6 lane rectangular pool and a separate warm
water leisure tank to support swimming instruction, aquafit, therapy, and more.
16. Develop a full size gymnasium as a part of the proposed Seniors' and Youth
Community Centre and a full size double gymnasium as part of a future multi-use
community centre in Seaton. Both gymnasium locations should be designed with
sport friendly features in mind.
17. Construct a fitness centre as part of a future multi-use community centre in Seaton.
A group fitness studio(s) should be included to support the delivery of health and
wellness programming. Supporting amenities should be considered including, but
not limited to, flooring types, mirror walls, drinking fountain stations, storage space,
and opportunities to integrate digital media systems and the latest technologies to
enhance the health and wellness experience for users (including the provision of
infrastructure space).
Executive Summary io
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18. Integrate outdoor fitness equipment in existing or future parks. Potential locations
include active parks, along trail routes and/or the waterfront, and in neighbourhoods
with concentrations of lower income households and/or older adults.
19. Incorporate an indoor walking track as a part of the proposed multi-use recreation
facility in Seaton and at the proposed Seniors'and Youth Community Centre in south
Pickering.
20. A dedicated children and youth centre should be included as a part of a multi-use
community centre in Seaton. The provision of a new children and youth space at the
proposed Seniors' and Youth Community Centre in south Pickering is also
supported by this Master Plan.The integration of dedicated children and youth space
should include various space arrangements depending on the intended use and
function such as a lounge, games room, multi-media room, general activity space,
and shared kitchen. Further consultation with children and youth is encouraged to
identify and confirm space requirements.
21. This Master Plan supports the provision of a new older adult space at the proposed
Seniors' and Youth Community Centre in south Pickering. The provision of space
should include, but not limited to, a games room and lounge, computer room, and
activity room. Consultation with the public is recommended to identify and confirm
facility space requirements.
22. While the integration of dedicated older adult space at the proposed multi-use
community centre in Seaton is not recommended at this time, the facility's meeting
and/or program rooms should be designed with the potential to be converted to older
adult space, should it be required in the future. The City should monitor requests
and re-evaluate the need for dedicated older adult space during the next Master
Plan period.
23. Multi-purpose rooms should be integrated at the proposed Seniors' and Youth
Community Centre and as part of a multi-use community centre in Seaton. These
spaces should be flexibly designed to accommodate a broad range of programming
opportunities that respond to community needs and to be converted to other facility
uses (if required). Supporting facility amenities may include, but not be limited to,
partition walls, storage, sinks, kitchen, and other ancillaries staff deem necessary.
24. Investigate strategies to enhance utilization of the indoor tennis courts such as
offering free or low-cost clinics/programs on a temporary basis, engage outdoor
tennis clubs to increase usage during the winter months, or other strategies identified
by the City.
Executive Summary
City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Master Plan
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25. Delineate playing boundaries for pickleball on the gymnasium floor at the proposed
Seniors' and Youth Community Centre, the proposed multi-use facility in Seaton,
and at the existing indoor tennis courts at the Pickering Recreation Complex.
Consideration should be given to using a distinct boundary colour to differentiate
playing areas with other court markings.
26. Repurpose a minimum of one racquetball court at the Pickering Recreation Complex
for other uses such as additional group fitness space. Alternatively, creative
strategies should be explored to offer non-traditional recreation activities on a
temporary basis such as virtual reality simulators (e.g., golf, digital fitness), rock-
climbing wall, or another activity. Potential repurposing options should be guided by
input from the public.
27. Continue to monitor the demand for indoor turf facilities over the master planning
period, including the collection of utilization data, to determine if/when a second
facility is needed.
Outdoor Recreation Facilities
28. Construct 12 new unlit equivalent soccer fields in Seaton over the planning period
while initiating an on-going monitoring process to ensure that the City does not over-
supply fields and to determine if/when additional fields are required beyond those
recommended in the Master Plan. Multi-field sites are encouraged to support
simultaneous games and tournament. The following soccer fields should be
constructed. Where appropriate, supporting amenities should be provided including,
but not limited to parking and washrooms.
a. One lit artificial full size field at a future Community Park.
b. Four lit natural grass fields at a future Community Park.
c. Four unlit natural grass fields at a future Community or Neighbourhood Park.
29. Explore opportunities to remove, relocate, and/or repurpose existing sports facilities
to improve utilization, with consideration given to the following.
a. Relocate the two intermediate soccer fields at Brockridge Community Park to
Seaton.
b. Re-purpose the underutilized ball diamond at Maple Ridge Park into a soccer
field.
30. Construct ball diamonds at a minimum of two parks in Seaton utilizing the following
construction approach.Where appropriate, supporting amenities should be provided
including, but not limited to, parking and washrooms.
a. Two lit softball diamonds co-located at a Community Park to facilitate
simultaneous games and tournaments.
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b. Two unlit hardball diamonds at a Neighbourhood Park unless there is
sufficient room at the Community Park proposed for softball diamonds and
the City intends to create a ball diamond complex in Seaton.
31. Evaluate opportunities to remove, relocate, and/or repurpose surplus ball diamonds,
with consideration given to the following:
a. Convert underutilized or antiquated softball diamonds, as appropriate, to
hardball diamonds to relieve pressures at existing hardball diamonds.
b. Repurpose the non-permitted ball diamond at Maple Ridge Park to an
intermediate soccer field, thereby creating a multi-field location suitable for
simultaneous and tournament play, given the presence of an intermediate
soccer field already on site.
32. Engage the Durham District School Board and the Durham Dolphins Football Club
to explore ways to collaboratively improve the playing experience at Beverly Morgan
Park.
33. As a long term strategy, explore opportunities to relocate the cricket pitch at Alex
Robertson Park. The relocation of the cricket pitch should be subject to demand and
the ability to identify a park (preferably in Seaton) with sufficient space to
accommodate a new pitch and supporting amenities to be determined in
consultation with the Cricket Club.
34. Construct a two tennis court pod at a minimum of three future parks in Seaton and,
if feasible, at Rouge Valley Park.
35. Engage the neighbourhood tennis clubs to discuss ways in which to improve the
local sustainability of the sport, improve operational efficiencies of the City and the
Clubs, and explore potential amalgamation of Tennis Clubs and consolidation of the
club-court supply.
36. Delineate playing boundaries for pickleball at a select number of the new tennis
courts recommended in this Master Plan. Consideration should be given to using a
distinct boundary colour to differentiate playing areas in order to avoid confusion
between the two sports. Preferred locations should include parks that are within
proximity to high concentrations of older adults or along major transportations/transit
corridors for ease of access.
37. Construct two basketball courts at Beechlawn Park and Creekside Park to
reconcile service gaps in south Pickering.
Executive Summary 13
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38. Evaluate and identify future parks in Seaton to construct three basketball courts. Site
considerations should be given to availability and proximity to schools and other
recreation facilities used by youth, walkability, visibility, and other criteria to be
identified be the City.
39. At a minimum, future basketball courts should be designed to be full size basketball
courts with two posts, hoops, and surface paint markings. Additional features for
consideration include, but are not limited to, seating, shade, paint markings for other
hard surface activities, landscaping, and appropriate sound buffering.
40. Recognizing that a new outdoor rink is included in the Master Plan for Claremont
Memorial Park, additional or future outdoor ice rink(s) should only be considered in
conjunction with other civic planning, urban design and/or economic development
analyses given the sizeable costs to construct and operate refrigerated rinks.
41. Implement the recommendations of the City's Skateboard Park Strategy.
42. Construct two splash pads in Seaton. One splash pad should be developed in
concert with the proposed multi-use community centre. The City and a developer
are currently in the process of planning a second splash pad, which will be located
in a future Village Green in Seaton, which is expected to meet this need.
43. Address playground gaps through future park development within the South
Pickering Urban Area.
44. A minimum of 11 playgrounds should be strategically located at future parks within
Seaton to provide sufficient coverage within residential areas. At the City's
discretion, additional playgrounds should be considered, where appropriate, to
enhance geographic distribution and serve gap areas. Future playgrounds should
be located within 800 metres of residential areas, without intersecting major
obstructions such as arterial roads and railways.
45. The construction of new or redeveloped playgrounds should integrate natural /
adventure features, which may include the use of natural materials (e.g., wood,
stones, boulders, etc.), higher climbing structures, rope courses, and more.
Playground design shall have regard for the Design of Public Spaces Standard and
incorporate accessible playground features, such as using a firm and stable surface.
Consultation with accessible groups and users is also encouraged. These factors
should be considered as the City continues to prepare its playground replacement
program.
46. Where possible, accommodate requests for access to, or increased use of, outdoor
running tracks at Pickering's existing facilities and school facilities.
Executive Summary 14
City of Pickering Recreation & Parks Master Plan
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Encouraging Greater Participation in Recreation and Parks Activities
47. Strengthen the Service Delivery Model by convening joint meetings with all providers
and related agencies (e.g., T.R.C.A.) in Pickering to share priorities and address
common issue_s collectively.
S.
48. Develop a Community Engagement Strategy to welcome new residents to Seaton,
inform them of recreation and parks opportunities and begin to assist groups form
or expand existing groups to provide localized recreation and parks opportunities.
49. Continue to stress the importance of the need for children and families to be safe in
and around water. Place a greater emphasis on public education and the need to
learn to swim.
50. Continue to work with the school boards to broaden the Swim to Survive program. .
51. Work to reduce screen time and at a minimum place larger toys in playgrounds to
encourage children and caregivers to stay outdoors longer.
52. Continue to engage youth and meet the Playworks Partnership revised criteria for
Youth Friendly Communities.
53. Work with community partners to jointly fund a youth worker over a period of 3 years
and evaluate the merits of this approach to youth engagement and empowerment.
54.. Host focus groups with adults to determine the right mix of programs and services
with a view to increasing participation in this segment of the population.
55. Investigate the feasibility of adopting Parks and Recreation Ontario High Five —The
Principles of Active Aging in the provision /enabling of programs and services to the
older adult population.
56. Continue to monitor penetration rates and participation in drop-in opportunities to
maximize participation.
57. Develop a Recreation Service Plan for the Seaton community in order to be
proactive about the recreation needs of the increased population. Include at a
minimum, a communications strategy to promote existing services, an approach to
providing/enabling a range of services and engaging residents to form self •
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governing groups.
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Increasing Access and Inclusion
58. Develop a Practice Guideline to support the current Access and Inclusion Policy for
recreation and parks that outlines the role of the City of Pickering will take in working
with the community to remove barriers and increase access to recreation and parks
opportunities for all marginalized populations.
59. Develop an Equity Lens that serves to assist and train City staff in the needs of
equity seeking individuals and groups within Pickering and in welcoming practices.
60. Develop an Access and Inclusion Reference Group made up of diverse and
marginalized populations in Pickering to ensure that the City continues to strive to
be inclusive and strengthens a sense of belonging for all residents.
61. Ensure that all public recreation and parks facilities in Pickering are welcoming to
the LGBTQ2S community by adopting practices as outlined by Safe Spaces
- Canada.
62. Increase the number of low income residents participating in recreation and parks
programs either by increasing the percentage of this population that access to
Access to Recreation Program and/or by offering a greater complement of free to
low cost opportunities in predominantly low-income areas.
63. Formalize ongoing -dialogue with representatives of culturally diverse groups to
ensure that recreation and parks needs are being met either by offering recreation
opportunities common to their needs or introductory opportunities to traditional
Canadian experiences.
64. Monitor the use of recreation programs and opportunities by gender/gender identity
to ensure that there are equitable opportunities and respective participation rates for
all.
Encouraging Physical Activity in the Outdoors
65. Develop a multi-year Communications Strategy on the advantages of being active
and being outdoors. Ensure that the Strategy targets various segments of the
population using appropriate communication vehicles. Include a community signage
program to encourage physical activity.
66. Animate outdoor public spaces with active program opportunities such as yoga, tai
chi, and other activities during appropriate seasons.
67. Further research and experiment with risky play applications to keep families
outdoors longer and engage in self-discovery.
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ATTACHMENT# 4- TOREPORT# (o--�
68. IdentifyHealthy Heart choices in the Leisure Guide and use the guide for public
messaging with respect to the benefits of active living.
69. Work with surrounding municipalities and the Region of Durham to implement the
evidence-based strategies identified by the World Health Organization to increase
levels of physical fitness in Pickering.
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Strengthening Community•Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness
r i n
70. Continue to maximize partnerships with community agencies to broaden rec eat o
and parks opportunities to the public with consideration given to cost containment
and other community benefits.
71. Articulate the costs to provide individual units of service (cost for set of swim lessons,
maintain a sports field, etc.) in order to develop an equitable and fair-minded Pricing
Policy.
72. Research and obtain volunteer software to offer online volunteer opportunities, a
pre-screening process, training, and tracking of volunteer hours with a view to
increasing volunteerism in Pickering.
73. Work as a staff team to define the Community Services Department culture, values,
and respective behaviours to maximize cohesion, efficiencies and effectiveness
across divisions.
a
74. Formalize levels of service with a view to determining the description of service,
target conditions, scheduled actions and work effort to arrive at an equitable
distribution of work and allocation of resources.
75. Develop a standard methodology of testing satisfaction levels in programs and
services.
a
76,. Refine and gather baseline data in year one to inform Council and residents as to
the recommended performance measures.
77. Establish a system for the regular implementation, monitor, and review of the Master
Plan, including the creation of an annual work plan to identify accomplishments and
priorities for the coming year. A high level 5-year review and a detailed 10-year
update should be undertaken.
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The City of Pickering
Draft #4: For Council
2017/12/19
Skateboard Park Strategy 2017
Executive Summary
The City of Pickering recognizes the importance of e. Priority Site
skateboarding as an unstructured form of recreation for The Pickering Recreation Complex front plaza is the
the physical and creative well-being of its citizens of all recommended priority site for the central community
ages and skill sets. As such, City Council directed staff to skateboard park. This site is most suitable to host a
develop a Skateboard Park Strategy as a supplement to its Community level skateboard park. This location will
Recreation and Parks Master Plan. The City of Pickering provide optimal accessibility, visibility and amenities
commissioned van der Zalm + Associates and New Line while also retrofitting the front of the Recreation
Skateparks to undertake the strategy and provide a Complex.
concept design for the City's priority skateboard park site.
The report recommendations are as follows: f. Inclusivity
Include other wheeled-sport user groups in the
a.Existing Skateboard Parks skateboard park venues and throughout the design
The current skateboard park located in the Diana, process. This includes but is not limited to bmx, inline
Princess of Wales Park is aged and in poor condition. skaters,scooters, roller skaters and longboarders.
Retrofitting this park is not a feasible option and
therefore, when a suitable replacement has been g. Funding opportunities
constructed it should be decommissioned. A variety of funding sources should be considered
including municipal, provincial, and federal
b.Skateboard Park Area governments,as well as,the private sector,non-profits
Based on current population and skateboard usage or other community partners in the allocation of funds,
data, the City of Pickering is in need of 2,212m2 grants, donations and partnerships.
(23,810ft2) of skateable area. With population growth
this is expected to rise to 3,090m2(33,263ft2) over the h.Ongoing Engagement
next 10 years.With an expected buildout population of This report sets the framework for creating a
70,000 people, Central Pickering (Seaton) will require skateboard park network in the City of Pickering. To
1,680m2(18,083ft2) of skateable area. fulfill the 'Civic Centric' network concept many routes
may be taken. Potential sites should be reviewed
c. South Pickering Network Option further and prioritized with community involvement.
Option 1, 'Civic Centric' is the recommended concept
for the City of Pickering.This will provide an immediate
larger focal skateboard park, while adding localized
skateboard parks spread across the city for improved
access and inclusivity.
d.Central Pickering(Seaton) Network Option
This would provide a community level skateboard van der Zalm
park at Seaton's centre with either skate spots or skate + associates „°°; `; c
dots dispersed across the surrounding new or existing
neighbourhoods.
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PICKERING pickering.ca