Clarington’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP) recommends the acquistion and purchase of some 135.3 hectares or land for creating additional parkland and a sports complex.
The plan recommends the acquisition of 105.3 hectares of additional parkland to achieve an updated service target of 2 hectares per 1,000 residents. This includes 52.6 hectares of Municipal Wide Park and Community Park, 48.7 hectares of Neighbourhood Park, and 4 hectares of Parkette/Urban Park and Square.
It also recommends the initiation of a site selection process to identify and purchase a minimum of 30 hectares of land to create a sports complex to address long-term sports field needs.
Other recommendations include:
- Preparation of a Park Renewal Strategy to identify opportunities to renew aging components, replace and/or repurpose amenities to address community needs, and/or enhance parks with new amenities.
- Park designs (including the former Zoo lands) should be inclusive and accessible, support climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability, and incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles.
- Update the Municipality’s Official Plan and Parkland and Open Space Dedication By-law to ensure that they align with the amended Planning Act to support the dedication of programmable parkland.
In addition to the PRCMP, Clarington’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan has identified three community spaces as a priority for council and residents, including:
Bowmanville Community Park (former lands of the Bowmanville Zoo): The project vision is of a bold, inspiring signature park for the community that is tied to the natural and cultural history of the property by honouring the legacy of Soper Creek and the former zoo and integrating the lands into the broader trail system.
Camp 30 Building Revitalization: Camp 30 is a significant architectural and historical site located in north Bowmanville. The municipality currently owns the Cafeteria Building and is working with the Jury Lands Foundation to revitalize the property and determine a future vision for community use while preserving its history and cultural significance.
Clarington Waterfront Strategy: It aims to enhance Clarington’s waterfront, with a focus on advancing the Courtice Waterfront Development and Energy Park Secondary Plan , which would create a premium 18-hectare municipal park along the Courtice waterfront.
The municipality is asking residents and stakeholders to review the draft PRCMP and submit feedback until October 6, for a chance to win an iPad mini.
Where is this land that you’re going to “acquire”? You’re not buying farmland, are you? I see that Clarington is falling in line nicely.