Revitalization of Durand Park Durand Park Proposal June 2008 - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Revitalization of Durand Park

Durand Park Proposal June 2008

Background

Property purchased in 1974 Opened in September 1975, largely thanks to the work of the DNA Only park in the Durand: 12 000 residents

Background

Since 1975 the DNA has provided a drinking fountain, playground equipment and trees 2005: the DNA contributed $4500 to replace 6 redbuds and 5 other trees 2006: the DNA raised $8700 for Durand Park improvements 2008: DNA forms a Park Revitalization Committee

Issues

Many Park features now need replacement

• r upgrading

Needs of the community have changed Poor maintenance

Site meeting: 4 April 2008

Park Revitalization Committee met at Durand Park with Councillor Bratina, Rob Norman, Al Dore, Lawrence Stasiuk, Gary Makins and Steve Ames Purpose of this meeting was to identify our concerns to the City regarding the state of the Park

Observations

Poor maintenance of beds Irregular watering of newly planted trees Inadequate tree pruning Poor condition of water fountain Unsafe play areas Uneven grass areas Muddy paths Poor quality equipment (bins, picnic tables, benches) Lack of defined entrances

Next steps

Consult the residents: what improvements would they like to see? Survey questionnaire distributed to members

• f the DNA, residents,

seniors, and children in Central Public and Ryerson Schools.

Some survey participants

Kids’ ideas

Survey results: improvements

Members

• Upgraded furniture (tables & benches)
• More tables & benches
• Improved lighting
• Better play structures
• Replace sand with wood chips
• Fenced area for dogs
• Open space levelled
• Improved maintenance
• Activities for seniors
• Improved garbage bins

Seniors

• More tables & benches
• Activities for seniors
• Playground equipment
• Open space levelled
• Swings

Ryerson Duranders (grades 6, 7 & 8)

• Monkey bars
• More colourful
• Regrade “field”
• Remove rust
• Nicer benches
• Less dog poop
• Exercise equipment
• Soccer nets
• Basketball hoops

Central Public (grades 1-5)

• Playground equipment: zip line, larger swings,

larger slides, monkey bars, seesaws, spinners etc.

• Basketball hoops
• Soccer fields
• Splash pad
• Benches & tables

Survey results: top 5

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 Members Benches / tables Bins & gardens/ horticulture Improved maintenance Senior play equipment Junior play equipment Seniors More benches Activities for seniors Playground equipment More swings Grass levelled Ryerson Duranders Benches / tables Senior play equipment Bins Paths Fitness stations Central Public

Colourful playground equipment

Sprinkler / splashpad Basketball hoops

Paths

Benches / tables

Recommendations: maintenance

Retain and provide regular maintenance of beds Or, remove ground cover and weeds and replace with grass Clean edging around beds Regular watering of all trees Mulch at base of trees Appropriate pruning of trees and shrubs Service the water fountain or replace with a new fountain

Provide Durand Park with one staff member for one day per week in the growing season

Recommendations: safety

Replace play equipment Re-grade and reseed entire grassy area fronting Herkimer Improve lighting Remove sand from playground and replace with wood chips Build formal pathways Provide recycling containers Iron fencing around perimeter (road safety) Traffic calming on both Herkimer and Charlton (e.g. two-way conversion, lane narrowing, safe cross-over points)

Safety items should be addressed immediately. DNA requests to collaborate on play structures, lighting and design improvements

Recommendations: beautification

Re-design entranceway at Charlton & Park Improve signage at Charlton & Park Design at Herkimer & Park incorporating commemorative rock Enclose park with iron fencing Plant a continuous line of boulevard trees along Herkimer and Charlton

DNA requests opportunity to consult with the City to create a design respectful of this heritage

• neighbourhood. We would also like input into the

choice of plants and trees.

Recommendations: amenities

Replace junior playground structure (2008 capital budget) Purchase senior playground structure Build sun shelter Upgrade park benches (e.g. wood with iron frames) Increase number of park benches Increase number of picnic tables Provide more garbage bins

DNA requests to work with the City to develop a long range plan to address funding and timelines for these improvements

Why revitalization is needed

Durand is an urban neighbourhood with about 12 000 residents, many of whom live in high-rise apartments Durand is densely populated, yet has less public open space than any other Hamilton neighbourhood Durand has seen a return of young families Facilities in Corktown and Kirkendell are too distant We have not seen any additional open space since the establishment of the Durand Park over 30 years ago For these reasons it is vital that the Durand Park is designed and maintained to the highest standards: it is the

• nly park we have!

Park deficiency in Durand

Neighbourhood Population Parks Residents per park Amenities* Durand 11 470 1 (only 10% of

recommended park land!)

11 470 to 1 NO Kirkendall 8 198 6 1 366 to 1 YES Strathcona 6 648 5 1 329 to 1 YES Central 3 893 1 3 893 to 1 YES North End West 1 402 4 350 to 1 NO North End East 3 850 3 1 283 to 1 YES Beasley 6 017 2 3 008 to 1 YES Corktown 7 056 4 1 745 to 1 YES

*Amenities include: recreation centres, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, swimming pools, and basketball hoops etc.

Action

Durand Park should receive immediate attention DNA’s recommendations be reviewed, approved and an implementation timeline developed DNA would be pleased to work with the City to ensure the success of this project

Going forward

The Park Revitalization Committee will deliver this

proposal to the residents at the DNA’s AGM on October 21 at 7:00pm (location to be announced) We ask that you attend this meeting to present the City’s plans for Revitalization of Durand Park