Revitalizing parks and playgrounds: investment in community infrastructure creates important assets for any municipality

By: Elliot Gunarso, Communications Intern

Can you think of a more ideal place to spend a bright, sunny day than your local park? With lush, green grass spanning the open space, swings, slides, and structures are ready to welcome the laughter and delight that only a child's spirit of play can only extract. A park is a place for all to relax and feel free outdoors, an oasis from the daily grind and accompanying stressors. As the seasons change, parks are places where you can appreciate the transformation of summer leaves into fall foliage. Where swaths of open space await wintry homes for snowmen and snow angels. Where the first signs of spring reveal themselves through budding branches and the curious stems of garden annuals. Residents of all ages are encouraged to share the picture-perfect atmosphere held within their favourite parks and playgrounds. Simply put, parks can be magical.

Our love for parks begins at a young age. As we grow, it is natural to brim with excitement and anticipation when the announcement of new parks and playgrounds filters into our social media feeds, newspapers, or community conversations. Conversely, you can almost always expect a degree of displeasure when you disrupt access to a favoured leisure space. However, we must remember that changes and improvements, done correctly, take time, and the temporary closure of any park can create passionate dialogue about protecting such community locations and the sanctity of these areas. There is no doubt that the appeal of parks and playgrounds holds a special place in the heart of a community.

But why do we care so much about our parks? Why do we continue to invest in building and maintaining our park areas? What value does a park bring to our city? I'm glad you asked.

Why should we invest in our parks?

There are many reasons why, as a municipality, we should invest in our parks. The quick and easy answer is that children can have fun running around and playing with friends. Parents might say it's a way to let their kids go wild while taking a much-needed break on the park benches – especially for those with never-ending-energy toddlers. From family and friends to cities and communities, our local parks play a huge role in providing a source of entertainment and recreation.

The reminiscent feelings and interactions only a park can produce are building blocks for creating community, a sense of place and pride. Playful memories shared between friends and strangers alike can be the spark that creates personal bonds and attachments to people and places.

But there is a deeper reason why we should invest in building parks and playgrounds.?

Let's look at this through an economic lens.

Parks and playgrounds bring value and service to the surrounding residents and can indicate the city's economic stability and quality of life. Communities close to parks realize increased property value and real estate market growth, while the city gains tourism revenue from events, festivals, and activities held at park grounds. Indirectly, parks could reduce personal expenses as access to exercise and sports is readily and freely available.

From a societal lens, parks create opportunities for inclusive and equitable spaces to be enjoyed by everyone. In addition, the extent of biodiversity and land conservation of a city can factor in psychological health and community strength. Exposure to scenic and natural environments reduces stress and mental fatigue while boosting creativity, cognitive function, and one's immune system. So, who says the park isn't for everyone?

The benefits to parks are as broad as they are effective, and many of our parks are undergoing renewals and upgrades to heighten these advantages for the community.

Welland's park renewal projects

Welland, a growing city of more than 56,000, focuses on active, healthy, and outdoor lifestyles. Highlighted by the recreational canal and community trails strategy, our parks and open spaces are beacons of civic pride. Our well-maintained parks and playgrounds are clear examples of the care Wellanders have for their community and public spaces. With 40 playgrounds stretching over 404.1 hectares of parkland scattered across the city, the need for parks and playgrounds continues to grow.?

Although Welland boasts beautiful scenic parks, time and use are positive drivers for the improvement and renewal necessary to support the growing population and livelihood.

Currently, the recreation and culture department breathed new life into several current parks. The City is modernizing and renewing the playground structures and accessible walkways for Chippawa, Glenwood, Cooks Mills, and Elmwood Parks.?

"Being new to the City and getting to know the dedicated staff that will change the City has been a great pleasure for me. The residents are in excellent hands. I appreciate all my staff members and look forward to seeing the renewal of the parks. We are continuously thinking of ways to improve the lives of our Welland communities, and a focus on inclusivity and accessibility is a top priority."- Rory Doucette, Manager of Parks & Open Spaces, Operations and Development

Chippawa Park

Chippawa Park possesses an ecosystem of elegance, natural beauty, and entertainment. Featuring a wondrous rose garden and World War Memorial sculpture, residents often take time to reflect and ponder as they stroll through. A new addition to the park is a playground featuring modern play structures and accessible walkways.?

Glenwood Park

Glenwood's atmosphere speaks for itself. With a baseball diamond, basketball courts, and a splash pad, the park is filled with competitive and energetic spirits, bringing many active residents to participate in their favourite sport. The new playground features modern play structures and swings sitting on rubberized padding. For a calmer experience, the picnic areas with pavilions are located right beside the new playground.?

Elmwood Park

Built in a charming neighbourhood, Elmwood Park is a go-to spot for families and children to play and enjoy. Elmwood carries a warm and familiar ambience that anyone, young and old, can find comfort in. With newly accessible walkways and added measures to protect the park's foundation, Elmwood Park will continue to be a life-long staple in the surrounding communities.

Cooks Mills Park

Cooks Mills Park sits in a green field that can welcome many outdoor sports and activities for all ages. The park features a baseball diamond and cricket field that are maintained regularly. The Cooks Mills Park playgrounds will be relocated to the parking lot, washrooms, and facilities as per request from the resident of Welland. A brand new and modern playground and swing set is being constructed to bring more liveliness and entertainment to a beloved Welland treasure.

Completion for Chippawa, Glenwood, and Elmwood Park is anticipated for early July and Cooks Mills Park completion is expected for late August.

What's next, Welland?

The recreational waterway flowing through Welland's downtown core is a familiar feature for residents and visitors to enjoy. It presents an opportunity to deliver the fun and competitive spirit of sport. With the 2022 Canada Summer Games on the horizon, Welland is actively and excitedly preparing to unveil newly built sporting facilities and recreational spaces for sports enthusiasts in the City, around Niagara, and beyond.

The City of Welland is excited to host a variety of sports during the Niagara 2022 Games this summer, including watersports, triathlon, basketball, volleyball, baseball, tennis, and soccer.

Empire Sportsplex

The grand opening of the Empire Sportsplex occurred on July 9, 2022, right in time for the peak of summer. In partnership with Empire Communities and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the new sportsplex provides accessibility and inclusivity for the facilities, sports, and services.?

By investing in parks and infrastructure, Welland continues to create inclusive and accessible spaces for its residents to explore.

"Nature surrounds us, from parks and backyards to streets and alleyways. Next time you go out for a walk, tread gently and remember that we are both inhabitants and stewards of nature in our neighbourhoods." – David Suzuki