Reimagining Westwood Park
This project is complete and the park is now open for use. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the redesign of the park. If you have any questions, please contact the Parks division at parks@kitchener.ca or 519-741-2345 (TTY:1-866-969-9994).
Westwood Park is an established neighbourhood park within a changing community. The green space was formerly shared with an adjacent school that has since been demolished and is being developed into townhomes. With this project, the intent is to revitalize the park by upgrading existing features to modern standards, and providing elements and features that reflect the needs of the community.
During the summer of 2021, the design team engaged with the public to better understand how the community uses the park. This feedback was used to inform design decisions. As a starting point for discussion, two concepts were developed to show what is possible in the space. After hearing feedback in person and online, and looking at what is needed to bring the park up to current standards, a final concept has been developed.
We are excited to reveal the final concept for Westwood Park. Please review the plan below and the overview video. More information can also be found through the links on this page, including timelines for next steps, additional documents, and a summary of engagement input.
Stay informed
Subscribe for updates and be the first to know about news and information about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe’.
Westwood Park is an established neighbourhood park within a changing community. The green space was formerly shared with an adjacent school that has since been demolished and is being developed into townhomes. With this project, the intent is to revitalize the park by upgrading existing features to modern standards, and providing elements and features that reflect the needs of the community.
During the summer of 2021, the design team engaged with the public to better understand how the community uses the park. This feedback was used to inform design decisions. As a starting point for discussion, two concepts were developed to show what is possible in the space. After hearing feedback in person and online, and looking at what is needed to bring the park up to current standards, a final concept has been developed.
We are excited to reveal the final concept for Westwood Park. Please review the plan below and the overview video. More information can also be found through the links on this page, including timelines for next steps, additional documents, and a summary of engagement input.
Stay informed
Subscribe for updates and be the first to know about news and information about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe’.
This project is complete and the park is now open for use. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the redesign of the park. If you have any questions, please contact the Parks division at parks@kitchener.ca or 519-741-2345 (TTY:1-866-969-9994).
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Playground now open
Share Playground now open on Facebook Share Playground now open on Twitter Share Playground now open on Linkedin Email Playground now open linkHydroseeding was completed on Friday, September 8, 2023. As a result, the playground is now open for play!
Fencing will be moved to protect the seeded areas as they establish. Please keep off the seeded and grassed areas during this time.
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Thank you for your patience with Westwood Park
Share Thank you for your patience with Westwood Park on Facebook Share Thank you for your patience with Westwood Park on Twitter Share Thank you for your patience with Westwood Park on Linkedin Email Thank you for your patience with Westwood Park linkThank you for your patience as work continues at Westwood Park.
We know this is a valued community asset and are working to get the park improvement completed. Unfortunately, there have been significant delays due to unforeseen challenges on site. City staff share the community’s frustration and disappointment with the progress of work at Westwood Park. We sincerely apologize for the delay.
Due to the current challenges, we have made the decision to continue this project in a phased approach. This will allow access to the new play structure, basketball court and shade structure while we still have some good summer/fall weather. We recognize this is not ideal, and this is certainly not the exciting new park that we wanted to provide and envisioned for the community.
Our plan is to provide limited access to the park now so the local community can enjoy some of the new amenities while the nice weather is still with us. As soon as Phase 1 work is complete, we will open the park to allow access to those center amenities. The rest of the park work will be completed through a second phase of work.
Phase 1
Phase 1 was intended to wrap up in mid-August with hydroseeding. Unfortunately, the seed did not establish as expected due to significant rain events and washouts occurring. The second hydroseeding was completed on Friday September 8, 2023. Once the seed has germinated, we will move the site fencing. This is to protect only the most vulnerable turf areas—giving them time to germinate and establish. The main walkways will be open and there will be access to the playground, basketball court and shade structure in the center of the park. The back of the park will remain closed during this time as there is still more work to do there. When we move the fencing, we will also be able to complete some necessary landscape maintenance.
Phase 2
More work is being scheduled through a second phase to complete the park. This will take place throughout the Fall and into next year to ensure some sections of the park remain open. This work will include the installation of the walkway throughout the park and finishing the cricket area and walking loop. The intent is to only close those portions of the park being worked on and reduce impact to the rest of the park.
Our goal is to have an established and beautiful park to enjoy that reflects the community’s vision for the park. We are sorry we cannot achieve this vision sooner. Staff are working as hard as possible behind the scenes to have the remaining work completed as soon as possible. We look forward to providing access to the portions of the park within the next couple of weeks and and celebrating this new space with the community in 2024 when all of the park improvements are completed.
If you haven't already, please subscribe for email updates. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on the project page, then click 'Subscribe'.
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Update on phase 1
Share Update on phase 1 on Facebook Share Update on phase 1 on Twitter Share Update on phase 1 on Linkedin Email Update on phase 1 linkTurf seed was applied in mid-August but unfortunately, due to recent heavy rainfalls, it did not take. The park must be reseeded and cannot reopen until grass areas have been established. We continue to work with the contractor to complete the work for phase 1.
Please subscribe for updates to this project by using the 'Stay Informed' button on the Engage project page.
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First part of construction to end mid-August
Share First part of construction to end mid-August on Facebook Share First part of construction to end mid-August on Twitter Share First part of construction to end mid-August on Linkedin Email First part of construction to end mid-August linkThank you to everyone who has reached out to us about the Westwood Park redevelopment. We understand this park upgrade has taken longer than expected and we appreciate your patience and excitement for the new and improved park.
New timing for park construction
We have broken up the rest of the park construction into two parts. This way there will be fewer interruptions and we can open the park up more quickly.
Phase 1 is estimated to be completed by mid-August. It includes new play equipment for all ages, micro forest planting area, multi-use court, extended walking paths, and a cricket pitch.
Phase 2 will start after that. It will include a walking path around the cricket pitch and a meadow.
In the future, park improvement projects will be scheduled to ensure we do not close the entire site at any one time, only the sections we are working in.
Responses added to the FAQ
We have also updated our Frequently Asked Questions with some of your recent questions.
If you have any other questions or comments, please reach out to our team at WestwoodPark@kitchener.ca
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Your Frequently Asked Questions
Share Your Frequently Asked Questions on Facebook Share Your Frequently Asked Questions on Twitter Share Your Frequently Asked Questions on Linkedin Email Your Frequently Asked Questions linkThank you for all your questions about the Westwood Park construction. We have added responses to some of your most frequently asked questions.
Please reach out to us any time with your questions about this project and the construction. We regularly post responses to this page. Our team's email is WestwoodPark@kitchener.ca
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Update on Westwood Park construction
Share Update on Westwood Park construction on Facebook Share Update on Westwood Park construction on Twitter Share Update on Westwood Park construction on Linkedin Email Update on Westwood Park construction linkWe would like to express our sincere regret for the delay in the reconstruction of Westwood Park. We recognize that many of you are feeling frustrated. We are committed to providing and maintaining quality park space for our residents, and we understand the impact this delay may have on those who were looking forward to using the park this summer.
We understand that these delays may be disappointing, but we are confident that the upgrades will benefit the community in the long-term. The extra time and effort will result in an improved park space that will be enjoyed for years to come. The upgrades include new playground equipment, adding accessibility upgrades, a new shade sail, new bench and table seating, a paved area for painted games, a basketball half court, informal area for playing cricket and other games, and new bicycle racks. The new play equipment will provide various play experiences for children of all ages, while the accessibility upgrades will make the park more inclusive for all.
We are doing everything possible to complete the park as soon as possible. We will continue to provide updates on the progress and will announce a new opening date as soon as it is available.
Find parks and amenities near you
We understand caregivers and children miss a nearby space to play and hope other neighbouring park amenities can be used in the meantime. Discover parks and amenities in your neighbourhood using this City of Kitchener Parks story map. If you get a pop up asking you to sign in to ArcGIS, please click ‘Cancel’. It is not necessary to sign in to view the content.
New ways to connect
You might have noticed that we updated our profiles. Our team also has a new email, so it is simpler to contact us. Whether you have questions about the park's development or want more information about its amenities, our team is here to help. We are committed to providing regular and informative communication with our community.
The project email is WestwoodPark@kitchener.ca
Thanks again for your patience and understanding as we continue to work on improving Westwood Park.
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Construction delayed
Share Construction delayed on Facebook Share Construction delayed on Twitter Share Construction delayed on Linkedin Email Construction delayed linkUnfortunately, the construction of Westwood Park has been delayed. The project was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022. It is now expected to be complete by summer 2023.
The delay is due to unforeseen circumstances that have arisen during the construction process. We understand that this news may be disappointing to those who were looking forward to using the park. However, we are confident that the extra time and effort will result in improved park space that will be enjoyed for years to come. This park's improvements include replacing playground equipment, accessibility upgrades, and a new bicycle rack. The new play equipment will provide various play experiences for children of all ages.
We appreciate your understanding and patience. We will continue to provide updates on the progress and will announce a new opening date as soon as it is available.
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Watch construction progress
Share Watch construction progress on Facebook Share Watch construction progress on Twitter Share Watch construction progress on Linkedin Email Watch construction progress linkWork on the new park space is progressing at Westwood Park.
You may see a camera mounted near the park that is recording the work as it unfolds. View the timelapse photography on the City’s website here. You can also find it under ‘Important Links’ on the project page Reimagining Westwood Park.
We appreciate your patience during construction. Please subscribe for updates to this project by using the 'Stay Informed' button on the Engage project page.
If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Roy, Landscape Architect, rebecca.roy@kitchener.ca, 519-741-2600 x 4151
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Construction start
Share Construction start on Facebook Share Construction start on Twitter Share Construction start on Linkedin Email Construction start linkConstruction is starting at Westwood Park!
Fencing will go up in early July and the work of shaping the new park space will begin soon after. The park will be closed until construction is complete. We appreciate your patience during construction and will keep you updated as work progresses.
Please subscribe for updates to this page by using the 'Stay Informed' button.
If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Roy, Landscape Architect, rebecca.roy@kitchener.ca, 519-741-2600 x 4151
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Update on Westwood Park
Share Update on Westwood Park on Facebook Share Update on Westwood Park on Twitter Share Update on Westwood Park on Linkedin Email Update on Westwood Park linkThank you once again for your interest in Westwood Park. The project construction has now been awarded and work at the park will begin soon.
Please subscribe for updates to this page by using the 'Stay Informed' button.
If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Roy, Landscape Architect, rebecca.roy@kitchener.ca, 519-741-2600 x 4151
Lifecycle
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Project Launch & Preliminary Ideas
Reimagining Westwood Park has finished this stageShare your input with the team on the two concepts presented for Westwood Park
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Under review
Reimagining Westwood Park has finished this stageContributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review. The project team will prepare final concept.
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Final concept
Reimagining Westwood Park has finished this stageBased on feedback a final concept will be presented
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Tender and construction
Reimagining Westwood Park has finished this stageConstruction is anticipated to start soon
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Construction underway
Reimagining Westwood Park has finished this stageConstruction is now underway on this park
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Construction finished
Reimagining Westwood Park has finished this stageThis project is now complete and the park is open again
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Official park opening
Reimagining Westwood Park is currently at this stageJoin us in celebration of the park's official opening!
Videos
FAQs
- What steps is the City taking to get the contractor to finish the park redevelopment?
- When is Westwood Park redevelopment scheduled to be completed?
- What steps is the City taking to ensure this contractor is not the successful bidder for other work in our city?
- Can a dog park be added to the park?
- Can you tell me more about the cricket pitch?
Document Library
- Westwood Park Refined Concept Plan (493 KB) (pdf)
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Engagement process
- Westwood Park: Phase1 Engagement Summary (533 KB) (pdf)
- Westwood Park: Phase 2 Park Sign (813 KB) (pdf)
- Westwood Concept 1 Multi-sport court.jpg (1.26 MB) (jpg)
- Westwood Concept 2 Basketball court.jpg (1.28 MB) (jpg)
- Westwood presentation slides.pdf (6.52 MB) (pdf)
- Westwood Sign.pdf (718 KB) (pdf)
- Westwood Park Existing Conditions.pdf (454 KB) (pdf)
Who's Listening
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Phone 519-741-2345 (TTY:1-866-969-9994) Email WestwoodPark@kitchener.ca -