Petticoat Creek outdoor aquatic facility is permanently closed but Petticoat Creek Conservation Park remains open to visitors during its regular operating season, according to the City of Pickering.
The statement clarifies that visitors can continue to enjoy the park’s picnic areas, natural surroundings and access to the Waterfront Trail.
With renewed community discussion about the aquatic facility, Pickering clarified who is responsible for Petticoat Creek Conservation Park and what has happened with the pool.
Who Owns The Park?
Petticoat Creek Conservation Park is located in Pickering, but it is not owned or operated by the City of Pickering.
The 70-hectare waterfront property is owned and operated by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). As the property owner and operator, TRCA is responsible for the park and its facilities, including the former aquatic facility, the city said.
Why Was The Aquatic Facility Closed?
In 2020, TRCA commissioned an engineering assessment of the aging aquatic facility, which identified significant infrastructure and equipment issues. Based on the findings of the assessment, and due to the costs and challenges of securing capital and long-term operational funding, it was determined that the 49-year-old facility had reached the end of its serviceable life. The extent and nature of the issues meant continued repairs would not provide a viable or sustainable path to keeping the facility operational.
As a conservation park, its primary purpose is to protect and enhance the site’s natural systems while providing opportunities for public access, recreation and enjoyment that are compatible with its conservation function. This purpose guides how the park is planned, managed, and invested in.
What Next?
The city stated that Pickering and TRCA continue to explore opportunities to leverage investment from other levels of government and interested organizations to address essential infrastructure needs at Petticoat Creek.
Options that have been explored include a water-themed splash pad, which could provide aquatic recreation with the potential for a longer operating season. TRCA is also seeking support from all levels of government and partners for improved amenities such as heated washrooms, upgraded access roads and parking, along with operational funding to support year-round access to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that runs through the property.
The TRCA is interested in securing funding from partners to advance a future conservation park master plan that will involve the community and partners in helping to establish a long-term vision for the park and guide investment in infrastructure, visitor amenities, programs, and services, while ensuring that its natural systems and conservation functions are protected and enhanced, the city said.
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