Revitalization of Durand Park. Durand Park Proposal June 2008

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1 Revitalization of Durand Park Durand Park Proposal June 2008

2 Background! " Property purchased in 1974! " Opened in September 1975, largely thanks to the work of the DNA! " Only park in the Durand: residents

3 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

4 Issues! "Many Park features now need replacement or upgrading! "Needs of the community have changed! "Poor maintenance

5 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

6 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

7 Next steps! "Consult the residents: what improvements would they like to see?! "Survey questionnaire distributed to members of the DNA, residents, seniors, and children in Central Public and Ryerson Schools.

8 Some survey participants

9 Kids ideas

10 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

11 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

12 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

13 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

14 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.

15 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

16 Why revitalization is needed! " Durand is an urban neighbourhood with about 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 only park we have!

17 Park deficiency in Durand Neighbourhood Population Parks Residents per park Durand (only 10% of recommended park land!) to 1 NO Kirkendall to 1 YES Strathcona to 1 YES Central to 1 YES North End West to 1 NO North End East to 1 YES Beasley to 1 YES Corktown to 1 YES Amenities* *Amenities include: recreation centres, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, swimming pools, and basketball hoops etc.

18 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

19 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