Whitby residents want to see more investment in the community’s waterfront, beaches, parks, and open spaces, according to the first phase of engagement to develop a new Whitby Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
The results of this phase of engagement will be used to develop a draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan for additional community input later this year. When complete, the new plan will play an important role in defining a vision, as well as long-term goals and objectives, for how the town will continue to meet the recreational needs of our growing community well into the future, said a town statement.
Highlights of the first round of engagement:
- The majority of participants enjoy outdoor activities such as visiting the community’s waterfront, parks and open spaces, and walking or hiking.
- 92 per cent of participants agreed that parks and recreation opportunities should be a high priority for town council.
- Top outdoor investment priorities noted by participants include the waterfront, beaches, and new parks and outdoor spaces. This feedback aligns with what residents said are their top priorities for the Community Strategic Plan.
- Top indoor investment priorities noted by participants include multi-use sports facilities for all ages, with a pool and gymnasium for league sports.
- Top areas participants would like to see improvement include more facilities and programs (including evening and weekend programs) and increased promotion of available recreation programs in Whitby.
The engagement was carried out from last December until February. View the full results.