Parks and recreation ‘road map’ for the future approved in Clarington

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Published October 29, 2024 at 1:28 pm

Bowmanville Maple Fest
Bowmanville Maple Fest

Clarington’s roadmap for its parks, recreation and culture future was approved Monday, with council green lighting its first Parks, Recreation and Culture Master to guide decisions over the next 10 to 15 years.

A community engagement campaign ran on www.clarington.net/PRCMP from September 17 to October 15, inviting residents, stakeholders and community groups to review the draft plan, with residents demonstrating support and offering suggestions for what Mayor Adrian Foster called a document of “significant importance.”

“Public spaces connect people to their community – and as we grow, so will our recreational needs,” Foster said. “Thank you to everyone who helped shape Clarington’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. Your feedback highlights what matters most to you when it comes to how your tax dollars are spent.”

Concerts in the Park

From new ice pads to pickleball courts, an indoor pool, connected trail systems, waterfront development, splash pads, bookmobiles and new parks, the master plan is the result of extensive input from the community, staff and council and is backed by data, forecasted trends and analysis. Staff used numerous factors to inform the recommendations, including projected population growth, use rates, forecasted trends, household income, diversity, equity and inclusion and climate change impacts.

“A huge shout-out to all the people across Clarington who put their very best ideas forward,” said Councillor Lloyd Rang. “We have an opportunity now to do something very special – to build parks and spaces to enjoy today and for generations to come.”

Rang also added an amendment to the motion which called for staff to “go window shopping” to find a suitable large field to host concerts, Ribfest and other cultural events.

Visit www.clarington.net/PRCMP to view the full plan.

Bowmanville Ribfest

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