Share your ideas for the Vincent Massey Park Expansion Lands

The City of Hamilton's recent urban forest report shows that urban mountain wards like this area are the least tree-covered in the whole city, at about half of the City's target tree cover. This is a no-brainer opportunity to increase tree cover in the neighbourhood. Regardless of what other amenities are added to the park, pursue maximum tree cover with generous new tree plantings.

Play area 1. please do maintenance on the original swings set and oil the chains that are rusting 2. add 2 additional structures in the kids area like: - a swing set with a wheelchair accessibility chair - can be installed across from the original swing set. - add another larger climbing station on the otherside of the existing pavilion that can be used by teenagers as well. 3. Install a 2nd Pavilion Grass area near businesses- 7th street Adding a 2nd pavilion would allow families the opportunity to have a picnic, birthday party celebrations under this covered area and still be close enought to watch kids play. This covered area would also be far anough away from the younger kids play area that would be a great spot for teenagers to socialize with their their friends, do their homework, or play board games...etc Please make it big enough to add at least 4 benches The existing pavilion is not big enough and currently only allows 1 family with kids to sit there. 4. Adults - Contemplation garden Beside the basketball court- east 37th side closer to Macasa... - adding more trees - ornamental garden featuring low level perennial flowers - Hostas, milkweed, wild bergamot, and black-eyed Susan(for butterflies), Lavender, and Monarda (for bees) and variety of Foliage outdoor small solar lights to highlight flowers small bolders (rocks) - water fountain for birds, - benches with tables made from cut down old tree trucks. - Stools made from old tree trunks Shaded area to do gentle exercises like - yoga, tia chi, meditation, aerobics, zumba lessons, 5. Pathway from Macasa to existing kids play area - 7th street - Lights along the pathway with several benches and garbage disposal bins. Lights are very important as it is very dark and the existing park only has 1 light right now. 6. Adding 2nd Sports structure for all ages Multisport Surface: Tennis court, pickle ball court, volleyball court - Install sound barriers that attaches to the chain link fence such as permanent outdoor sound blankets  –  1 lb. PSF reinforced loaded vinyl noise barrier with a 1” thick vinyl coated polyester (VCP) as well as trees to provide privacy from the multiplsport court Getting the community involved. - Host a neighborhood planting day and invite residents to participate in planting of the gardens. - ask anyone with carpentry skills that would be willing to create benches, Stools out of old tree trunks - Host a BBQ to celebrate opening of Vincent Massy Park once completed.

•Flagpole with a Canadian flag •Wheelchair accessible swing •Drinking fountains on the south side of the park •A paved pathway stretching from the Macassa side of the park towards East 37th. On the southern side of the pathway, a one-sided low stone wall outlining the pathway. Paved pathway as opposed to natural in order to be inclusive of everyone’s mobility – strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, etc. Behind the wall, a perennial garden. The existing trees, with their growth will gradually blend with the garden. Illuminated pathway with benches for resting and waste receptacles to address litter •Climbing apparatus designed in the shape of a bird or bee •Open-sided, covered outdoor fitness space for adults - away from the children’s play area, a covered outdoor space for individuals seeking a quiet place to engage in personal exercise routines such as Tai Chi, Yoga, or other mindful physical activities. An open sided covered structure would offer protection from the elements, from Spring to Fall —whether it’s a sunny day or light rain. •Baseball diamond - popular activity for kids and adults •Batting cage - appeals to all ages and varying levels of fitness

The Coalition of Hamilton Indigenous Leaders wrote a Report (Vision for 2030) that includes signs of Reconciliation related to land use. It would be helpful to consult this report as well as connect with Indigenous Advisory Circles. Could stewardship of the land be given to Indigenous community along with resources to support their stewardship?

When considering vegetation for the park, it would be beneficial to plant a Food Forest. This could garner interest in growing by learning about the types of flora that thrive in the local area and produce food. To supplement the forest, a community garden should be included. There aren't any nearby gardens for residents. The addition of a gardens would provide food, a community gathering place, and encourage biodiversity.