Bradford residents living in the mature parts of town can look forward to some new upgrades at their local parks.
Over the summer and into fall, both Taylor Park and Lions Park have been undergoing a complete makeover, with the construction of newly built and upgraded facilities.
These projects are something Ward 2 Coun. Jonathan Scott is happy to see, noting the residents in the older parts of town were starting to feel "left out" with the newer subdivisions on the west side of town receiving new, upgraded infrastructure at their local parks.
"I promised to work to upgrade our older parks, so residents in the east end of town were treated fairly," said Scott. "Working with parks staff, we went through the Leisure Services Master Plan, which was formed after extensive community consultations, to guide how we would invest in recreation, including our parks."
That plan was the framework for what the community needed. With a combination of development charges, reserve funds for infrastructure renewal and a grant, the town was able to allocate over $1.2 million to upgrading both Taylor Park and Lions Park, without impacting the tax base.
"We’re delivering significant upgrades in a very fiscally responsible manner," said Scott.
At Lions Park, two new basketball courts have been added in the area where the old inground pool used to be, which will be flooded in the winter to create ice rinks. A large shade structure has been installed for more seats, as well as trees and an accessible ramp to the clubhouse building. The town is currently considering turning the upper level of the clubhouse into a youth centre.
The parking lot was also repaved this past summer.
At Taylor Park in the south end of town, construction recently started to remove the soccer fields to add in a shade pavilion, new seating, a second jungle gym, a tennis court, a community garden and a sports court.
"It’s been a number of years since Taylor Park was formally used for TimBits soccer, which was relocated to areas that could better handle that volume of traffic and parking, so adding other amenities children, youth, seniors and families can enjoy, in keeping with what was decided through the Leisure Services Master Plan, was the right step to take," said Scott.
Approximately 40 trees are being planted at the park to provide shade for guests and some privacy for neighbouring homes. The trail will be realigned to connect into the new trail up to Landolfi Way and Simcoe Road, and eventually into the riverfront trail system the town is planning.
"I’m really excited to see these two older parks upgraded like this, and want to ensure we keep going to take care of the infrastructure and amenities in the older end of town, as I promised," said Scott.
Next year, Luxury Park in Ward 7 will also be completely revitalized, and with work on upgrades to Legion Park as well.
Ward 7 Coun. Peter Dykie says he has heard a lot of ideas from residents about what Luxury Park needs.
"In the area, there are many new young families with young children from infants to eight years old, that is why the park very much needs an update," said Dykie. "They deserve a newly upgraded park. Not all want to walk it drive to the new areas of town."
