What we heard from the winter 2023 Meadowlane Park survey and park events
In Winter 2023, we organized a survey and stormwater conversations in the park. We wanted to respond to your questions and concerns. We also wanted to understand better how the community uses the park. Thank you to all who participated and gave their input.
For a detailed report on what we heard through the survey and park visits, please read the Winter 2023 What We Heard report.
Below are some highlights of what we heard:
Stormwater conversations in the park
We hosted stormwater conversations on January 28 and 31, 2023, at Meadowlane Park. Thank you to everyone who showed up in the cold to share your questions, ideas, and concerns.
Here are some common themes we heard in conversations with you:
Safety and Accessibility: Many residents were worried about a new pond and its proximity to the school.
Activity and Significance of the Hill: The hill, named Mt. Frederick, is highly valued by the community and is commonly used for running, biking, sledding, and gathering.
Importance of the Park: The park is centrally located and accessible to several neighbourhoods.
Communication and Inclusivity: Many were unaware of the project and wanted more transparent communication.
Why do we need stormwater management? People wanted more information on why stormwater infrastructure is required in the park. We are preparing presentation materials to share at future events and on Engage.
Survey
In January, we invited you to complete a survey to help us understand park use and what the park means to the community.
We received 304 surveys. Thanks for sharing your input! Here are some responses you shared:
You described the park as a:
“Large open green space”
“Tobogganing/sledding hill”
“Place with family and child-friendly activities and sports”
“Place that connects neighbourhoods”
You feel comfortable and safe in the park:
“The park is in a safe and friendly community, surrounded by homes, schools, and families.”
“Many visitors have grown up in the area and have fond memories and a strong emotional connection to the park.”
Though some of you don’t want the park to change, others have ideas for changes:
“No changes needed- do not remove the hill.”
“Improved drainage to make the area more usable year-round.”
“Planting more trees and greenery for added experience and shading.”
“More benches along the trail, near the playground, and at the tobogganing areas.”
Next steps
We have slowed this project down because we want to get it right. Thanks for your patience. We are planning more opportunities to work closely with the community to find a design solution to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and meet the community's needs. We will share updates about Summer and Fall 2023 engagement opportunities for Meadowlane Park soon.
