Project Update
Based on the results of the recent splash pad public engagement, Council recognizes the community's desire for a splash pad. At the Regular Council meeting on July 10, 2023, Council received a report and adopted a recommendation to undertake a Parks & Recreation Master Plan which will be completed in 2024. Building off the input received through splash pad consultations, the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan will identify the preferred location for a splash pad with funding to be included in the 2025 capital budget.
The report also identified that the 2024 Parks and Recreation Master Plan will also consider sports courts in the Township, and, given the generous offer of an anonymous donation towards the development of a skate park and pump track, that these amenities also be considered, and locations be identified in the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
The complete results of the Splash Pad public engagement will be presented to Council at the Regular Council Meeting on August 14, 2023.
Thank you again for sharing your input with us! We are committed to keeping you involved as additional information and engagement opportunities become available.
Background
During the development of the Recreation Master Plan in 2017, “strong and consistent support emerged for a splash pad”. Feedback received resulted in a splash pad being consistently one of the top three new recreational facilities desired in Loyalist Township.
In September 2022, Council directed staff to report on the cost, availability and viability of splash pads located at Amherstview, Bath and Odessa.
In December 2022, staff presented a report to Council providing an overview of feasibility considerations for a splash pad in Loyalist Township. Following the presentation of the report, staff were directed to develop a public consultation plan for 2023 to determine if the community still desires a splash pad and if so, establish the most suitable location based on preferred facility attributes.
Sharing Your Feedback
A public engagement program begun in May 1, 2023, and concluded on July 1, 2023. Township staff sought out resident feedback in a survey that was available online as well as during three drop-in public information sessions to listen and learn from the community. Input from the public will be presented to Loyalist Township Council to help inform next steps.
Splash Pad Survey
Township staff sought out resident feedback in a survey that was available online from May 1, 2023, until July 1, 2023 to determine community interest in a splash pad and what features/amenities are most important when considering potential locations for the development of a splash pad.
In Person Public Information Sessions
Drop-in public information sessions were held at:
- Amherstview Community Hall - Wednesday June 7, 6pm-8pm
- Bath Fire Hall - Wednesday, June 14, 6pm-8pm
- Odessa Municipal Office - Tuesday, June 20, 6pm-8pm
At these sessions, Loyalist Township staff:
- Provided background information.
- Gathered input via feedback mechanisms, i.e. dotmocracy or post-it note exercise
- Had hard copy surveys available for completion
- Promoted the online survey, which was available from May 1, 2023, through July 1, 2023.
Next Steps
The complete results of the Splash Pad public engagement will be presented to Council at the Regular Council Meeting on August 14, 2023.
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