Developed by thinc design and Mehak, Kelly & Associates, the 20-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan addresses the specific challenges of a growing urban centre paired with an aging demographic. Our evidence-based methodology was anchored by extensive community engagement, utilizing statistically representative telephone surveys, online public surveys, focus groups, and community visioning workshops to capture a holistic picture of resident needs.
Recognizing that the municipality had recently made a significant investment in the new Sunny Life Recreation and Wellness Centre, we focused on maximizing existing assets by identifying operational efficiencies and recommending formalized shared-use agreements with local school boards and agricultural societies to expand capacity without incurring new capital builds. Draft concept plans were also developed for two priority park sites with an outdoor classroom, natural playground, gateway features, bandshell with amphitheatre seating, self- cleaning washroom, and accessible pathways, seating, lighting, and signage.
The final deliverable provides 107 phased recommendations supported by a capital cost framework, structured around annual data-driven budget check-ins and a comprehensive 10-year review to ensure long-term adaptability.
