The Oshawa community is invited today to view the proposed concepts and provide feedback on the the Dr. Blake Parkette.
A workshop is being held today (Thursday, February 27) between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm at the Civic Recreation Complex (99 Thornton Road South) in Bobby Orr Room.
The Parkette will be located at the end of Royal Street, adjacent to the Oshawa Creek Valley and just south of the Pinewood Centre.
Designed by Basterfield & Associates Inc., two concepts are offered.
- Concept A: A more traditional design that includes a curved path with semi-circular playground area, curved seat wall and an information panel about Dr. Blake at each entrance.
- Concept B: A more modern design that includes a straight path with angular playground area, straight seat walls and an information panel about Dr. Blake at each entrance.
Oshawa residents can also complete a feedback form online on Connect Oshawa or on paper at Service Oshawa, located at City Hall (50 Centre Street South).
Feedback will be received until 4 pm on March 12 and will be considered in the recommended parkette design that will be shared with Community Services Committee.
Last year, Oshawa City Council approved the naming of a future parkette in honour of the late Dr. Buxton George Blake, an original founder of the Pinewood Centre of Lakeridge Health in Oshawa.
Dr. Blake was a resident of Oshawa for many years until he passed away in 2018. He worked as a psychologist who specialized in helping individuals with addiction health challenges. In 2014, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award under the African Canadian Achievement Awards Program and was one of the original founders of Storytellers of Canada and founder of the Durham Folklore Storytellers.
“I’m certain that whichever concept is selected to pay tribute to the great George Blake the community will enjoy a thoughtful place to sit, to contemplate, and to watch others grow and develop – much like George did through his work,” said Councillor Rick Kerr, Chair of the Community Services Committee.
“Input from the community for our new parks and park redevelopments is important, especially from those living in the close vicinity of the work to be done. The Dr. Blake Parkette is particularly special because it honours someone who had an enormous positive impact on Oshawa over his long life,” said Councillor Derek Giberson, Vice-Chair of the Community Services Committee.