PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS THE DESIGN OF

J J Co o p er Pa r k
The Town of Collingwood will be holding an outdoor public meeting in your neighbourhood to discuss the design of JJ Cooper Park on June 29th, 2011
This informal meeting will be an opportunity for you to learn about the public park that is going to be built in your neighbourhood; it will also give you an chance to provide comments as we begin creating the preliminary design concepts. The land that the park will be built on was acquired by the Town through the development review process a number of years ago, and now that there are a significant number of people living in the area, it is time to complete the process of adding this public amenity. This park will include a number of features that are intended to make it a key addition to the neighbourhood, attracting all ages, these include: Natural Playground Trail Connection Open Play Area Toboggan Hill Bike Racks Enhanced Crosswalks If you are planning on attending the meeting please RSVP so that we know how many people to expect. Feel free to contact Town staff if you have any questions regarding this meeting or the project.

Date: Time: Place:

June 29th, 2011 5:30 to 7:00 Corner of Chamberlain Cres. and Davis Street

Robert Voigt, MCIP, RPP Planning Services Town of Collingwood Email: rvoigt@collingwood.ca Phone: 705_445_1290 ext 3292 www.facebook.com/collingwoodplanning

images: Bienenstock design & consulting inc. and EnvisionTatham

images: Bienenstock design & consulting inc. and EnvisionTatham

NATURAL PLAYGROUND

Natural playgrounds use landscape features, landforms, natural material and plantings so that children have direct interaction with natural materials and the environment. These kinds of play spaces have well documented benefits to support all aspects of child development and afford opportunities for children of all abilities, cultures, and fitness levels, including: Gross motor skills and fine motor skills are engaged; Cognitive skills develop; Attention spans increase; and, Collaborative play and learning grow.

BACKGROUND

When the Town adopted the Urban Design Manual in July 2010, it set a North American precedent because it included the first ever requirements for Natural Playgrounds in neighbourhood parks. This park will be the first of its kind in Collingwood by having a natural playground component; adding our community to the list of places that are embracing natural playgrounds because they are safer, more environmentally sound, more aesthetically pleasing, and better for childrens physical and m e n t a l development.

PROCESS

We a r e c u r r e n t l y i n t h e preliminary design phase and h a v e m e t w i t h t h e Pa r k s , Recreation and Culture Committee to discuss the design concept. This first public meeting will help inform the community and provide us with input to use as we refine the design. Town Council will then be presented this information at a Council meeting in July, so that staff can receive further direction. At least one other meeting with the neighbourhood will be held to

refine the design before the build begins this summer. The intent is to have the Project completed by the fall.

Natural Playgrounds should be the standard for all our playgrounds. They truly connect children with nature through play and are a sort of classroom for the next generation of environmental stewards. Dr. David Suzuki

Come out to help guide the design of your neighbourhood park