Parks and Recreation Master Plan

We're thrilled to introduce the Background Report for Woolwich's Parks and Recreation Master Plan!

In this comprehensive report, we begin with a foundational understanding of our mission. The "Introduction" section elaborates on what a Master Plan is, underscoring its significance in guiding the future of our community. You'll also discover the myriad benefits of investing in our parks and recreation offerings. To set the stage, we provide insights into the beautiful Township of Woolwich, a place we're passionate about.

Moving on to the "Demographic Profile," we explore the dynamics of our population growth, showcasing the evolving nature of our community. This section also provides a snapshot of our diverse community profile, a tapestry of people and cultures.

The "Summary of Background Documents" section is a crucial reference point. It clarifies how the Provincial Policy Statement and Growth Plan impact our endeavors. We delve into the intricacies of the Region of Waterloo Official Plan and the Township of Woolwich Official Plan. Additionally, we acquaint you with the Township of Woolwich Landscape and Design Guidelines and keep you updated on legislative and recent changes that influence our path forward.

The heart of the report lies in the "Parks and Recreation in Woolwich" section. We take you on a journey through our Parks Inventory, shedding light on the green spaces that bring our community to life. You'll gain an understanding of how we classify our parks and how parkland is distributed by use and settlement. Plus, you'll discover the treasure trove of outdoor and indoor recreation facilities that contribute to our community's well-being.

The "Service Delivery and Programming" section is where we unfold the structure of our Recreation Community Services. You'll get a glimpse of the careful planning behind our service delivery and the wide array of recreational programming that enriches our community life.

Community voices matter! In the "Community and Stakeholder Consultation" section, we present the results of the 2021 Community Survey and provide insights from the 2023 Community Survey. You'll also see what our valued stakeholders had to say in their survey, shaping our vision together. We also highlight what matters most to our community. Explore the insights and feedback on parks and outdoor recreation facilities, as well as the perspective on indoor recreation facilities.

As we look forward, you can stay tuned for our future steps in the "Next Steps" section. The journey is ongoing, and your participation is vital.

You can access the full report in the documents tab. We're eager to hear your thoughts and insights as we shape the future of Woolwich's parks and recreation.

#WoolwichBackgroundReport #CommunityEngagement #CommunityGrowth #ParksAndRecPlan

Exciting News! We're thrilled to announce the release of the Best Practices Report for Woolwich Parks and Recreation Master Plan!

In this comprehensive report, we delve into the core of Woolwich's community recreation framework, exploring topics like "A Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015," the "2022 NRPA Agency Performance Review," and insights from the "Municipal Benchmarking Network Canada."

The report also uncovers significant trends, including the decline in youth sports participation, the rise of multi-use spaces, the pursuit of accessibility for all users, the pivotal role of parks as community gathering spaces, and the myriad health benefits linked to parks and recreation. We even explore how parks can help reduce urban heat islands and contribute to green infrastructure and sustainable buildings. The strategies for creating sustainable and environmentally friendly parks and recreation facilities are outlined, alongside emerging technological trends.

The essence of the report lies in the "Best Practices" section, where we make general observations and provide insights into parks, open spaces, and trails. We delve into the classification and assessment of service levels, spatial coverage, proximity to parkland and recreational services, planning and design considerations, parkland acquisition, outdoor and indoor recreation facilities, service delivery, and financial considerations.

What comes next? Discover the future steps in section 5.0!

The full report is available in the documents tab. We can't wait to see how this report will shape the future of our community's parks and recreation.

#CommunityGrowth #ParksAndRec #WoolwichRecreation #CommunityEngagement #ParksMasterPlan

Exciting News for Woolwich Parks and Recreation Enthusiasts!

We're thrilled to share a significant update on the ongoing Woolwich Parks and Recreation Master Plan—a vision that's all about enriching our community's quality of life and ensuring that everyone has access to fantastic recreational amenities. We are transitioning from Phase 1 to Phase 2.

In Phase 1, which included Background Review and Consultation, encompassing a Community Profile, Trends and Best Practices, and Public Stakeholder Engagement, we've laid the foundation for an exciting journey ahead. The Best Practices Report and Background Report will be released soon and now, we're gearing up for Phase 2.

In Phase 2, we're taking a deep dive into understanding the pulse of our community. We're conducting an extensive needs assessment for all of the Township's parks and recreation facilities. This assessment is vital as it will help us identify any gaps in our current offerings. We want to ensure that our residents have access to a diverse and inclusive range of recreational opportunities that cater to all ages and interests.

This assessment is not a standalone effort; it's informed by the insights from our Background Report, which provides valuable context about the existing state of our recreational infrastructure. Additionally, we're keeping an eye on Best Practices in the field, learning from successful strategies and applying them in ways that are tailored to Woolwich's unique needs.

The ultimate goal of all these efforts is to create a comprehensive and forward-thinking Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This document will serve as a blueprint for the future of our community, ensuring that our parks and recreational facilities align with the evolving needs and aspirations of Woolwich residents.

So, stay engaged with us and watch for updates as we work together to create a vibrant and engaging community that everyone can enjoy!

#WoolwichRecreation #CommunityEngagement #ParksMasterPlan

We're excited to announce that the Parks and Recreation Background Report and Best Practices Report is in the final stages of development and is set to launch in early fall!

This Background Report will serve as a snapshot of the current state and inventory of parks and facilities in the Township. This will include a summary of future growth in the Township for each community, which will assist in identifying where future parks and facilities may be needed.

While the Background Report provides the existing context in the Township, the Best Practices report will serve as a guide for ensuring the Master Plan is current with the latest practices in various areas such as parkland supply and parklands needs, legislative changes, asset management and design, how to implement parkland development in growing communities, and more.

Stay tuned for updates as we countdown to the release date!

#ParksandRecreation #BackgroundReport #BestPracticesReport #CommunityGrowth #ComingSoon

The Township is conducting a survey regarding their current parks and recreation facilities in the Township and would like to hear from YOU!

The survey will be available between May 3rd and May 24th. Take the survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YX7BY6R or scan the QR code below!

The Township of Woolwich with the help of NPG Planning Solutions Inc. is in the process of developing a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The plan will develop a vision for parks and recreation in the Township and prepare for and manage the change that is resulting from a growing community.

Stay tuned for any updates related to engagement opportunities regarding the new Master Plan!