Public Information Meeting - Design Concept Consultation - November 23, 2021
Please review the presentation and the questions, comments and answers that were discussed at the meeting.
Summary of Questions, Comments & Responses
The Master Plan for this park was completed in 2007. Given that the Plan was prepared 14 years ago, when will the next Master Plan occur?
Park master plans in Hamilton typically lay out the framework for park development for 20+ years, and we assess park improvement projects with today’s current context as they come on to work plans each year. Unfortunately, the City doesn’t have the capacity to take on park master plans (or master plan updates) every 14 years. Applying today’s context to plans completed years ago allows us to modify certain elements of a Master Plan, while keeping us on track with the vision laid out by the community.
Why is the sun shelter in Concept 1, located in the middle of where the pathways converge?
The design team wanted to include a Concept that featured the proposed sun shelter in the location of the existing spray pad as an option that focused the structure as a central focal point within Victoria Park. In this concept, the shelter is seen as a ‘gathering node’ where the pathways converge within in the north half of Victoria Park. In this concept, ample room has been provided around the sun shelter so that pedestrian and cyclist circulation can still exist seamlessly.
In Concept 1, the sun shelter is in a place where there is already quite a bit of shade. Was this considered?
While the location of the sun shelter in Concept 1 is, indeed, closer to larger trees that provide shade, we recognize that these large trees may be nearing the end of their life span in future years. As such, a sun shelter could provide immediate shade and shelter from rain in this location. The Victoria Park Master Plan also sited the sun shelter on a central ‘axis’ with the pathway network, so this design responds to the previous siting location.
Could the future sun shelter be used to host small events like outdoor concerts or art shows? What is the square footage of the structure be and how many people is it intended to hold? Is the structure the same size on both design concepts shown?
The sun shelter (for both concepts) will be about 125 square metres in area. It will be large enough to accommodate about 20 people. With this larger footprint, there is opportunity for the structure to accommodate small events that could be music- or art-related.
Will the sun shelter have electrical connections for the public to use?
Typically, sun shelters in City parks include electrical connections, but these are primarily for use only by the City’s Park Operations staff.
Could Concept 2 be made from more natural, less environmentally-impactful materials?
Materials for City parks must meet a performance standard set out in the City’s Parks and Open Space Development Guide and must receive approval from Park Operations staff. The design team will seek to source more sustainable materials for the preferred design, while meeting the standards set out by the City.
At this stage of the design process, could the two concepts be combined? (Eg. Place the sun shelter from Concept 1 where it is located in Concept 2)? Will there be a chance to comment on the detailed design when it is complete?
We are open to hearing ideas from residents with respect to changes in layout. There is a possibility that the preferred design could end up being a hybrid of both current design concepts. Residents are invited to take the survey at this time to offer feedback on design, as this feedback will be used to inform the preferred design.
Will City staff or the Councillor’s office be available to meet on site with community members (in person), if requested?
Due to restrictions put in place by the City’s Emergency Operations Centre, staff are unable to meet with community members in person at this time. However, the Councillor’s office is able to meet at the park in person and would be happy to do so, if community members make a request tot the Ward 1 Office.
Will there be signage or other interpretive features to give people a better understanding of what the Crystal Palace was all about?
There is currently an interpretive sign in the park, explaining the history of the Crystal Palace; however, it is currently located in the centre of the park. As part of the new design, we intend to relocate that interpretive sign closer to the spray pad and sun shelter area, and add information explaining the purpose of how the new design relates to the former structure that once graced the site.
Will there be accessible washrooms at the park and will they form part of this scope of work?
Accessible washrooms do not form part of the scope of work for this project. This project is forthcoming in future capital works for the park and the Councillor’s office is working with other City staff on this project.
Will there be WiFi connections and charging port stations in the park when this work is completed? Will the sun shelter have these capabilities?
The City of Hamilton has applied for third party grant funding to enable WiFi in public spaces – most notably, parks. The City recognizes the importance making WiFi and cell phone charging port stations more readily accessible in outdoor spaces, and staff will investigate this further to determine if opportunities allow for these capabilities at the future sun shelter and in the park as a whole.
Are the budgets for all City parks accessible for the public to view? Can you provide those links?
Yes. Park budgets are included in the City’s Capital Budget Program.
Will the same park budget be applied for both concepts shown?
Yes. Both design concepts presented will use the same park budget.
Is there a budget for the sun shelter and a budget for the spray pad? If money is saved for one, can those savings be applied to the other?
While both the sun shelter and spray pad will be costed individually, they form part of the larger park redevelopment project as a whole and will be costed under one larger comprehensive redevelopment project.
Will the anticipated construction timeline limit use of the existing spray pad in the summer months?
Due to the complexities of connecting existing spray pad servicing with new servicing, and given the proximity of the existing spray pad to the new spray pad, the existing spray pad will need to remain closed during the construction of the new spray pad.
