Parks and Facility Improvements

Park Planning

A town constructs parks and recreation facilities so its residents can grow as a community. Investing in suitable parks and facilities ensures our town is meeting the needs of its residents now and for future generations. Every year, we update our parks, trails and natural areas. This includes current renovation, revitalization, and state-of-good-repair projects in Grimsby's green space, parks and recreation facilities. The Town of Grimsby is committed to improving playgrounds and play spaces across the town so everyone can experience the joys and benefits of play.

Grimsby’s construction and revitalization of parks and recreation facilities are guided by multiple documents including:

More about the role of the Parks Master Plan

The Parks Master Plan that will assist Council and staff in managing the direction of parks, trail and waterfront assets and services through 2034. The Plan will define community needs and interests; identify where parks and park facilities should be located, when they will be needed, and how they will be funded. The firms thinc design, Mehak Kelly & Associates, and RFA Planning Consultants have been engaged to conduct the study, an essential part of which is community consultation.

Project Scope

The Plan will seek to:

Include extensive community consultation
Comment on the current community profile and future population growth in relation to emerging trends and service levels
Articulate a vision and guiding principals for parks in Grimsby
Assess needs and interests for parks, waterfront and outdoor recreation facilities in the Town
Develop an implementation strategy with timelines and cost estimates

More about the role of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan

The Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan was initiated in 2017. The goal of the project is to provide the Town of Grimsby with short and long term guidelines for the provision of parks, recreation and culture services from 2018 - 2028.

The project was initiated in 2017 with a request for proposals. The project was awarded in December 2017 to MHBC Planning as the lead consultant, and work began in January 2018. A variety of community, staff and stakeholder consultations took place throughout April - October, including an online survey that received over 900 responses.

Some of the key outcomes of the plan are:

Create a current context for the department and the Master Plan including industry trends, challenges, population and demographics, user expectations, community profile and Town spending on parks, recreation and culture.

Define the Town of Grimsby’s role in providing parks, recreation and culture services, and identify the department role specifically.
Develop a vision for the department.
Provide a baseline assessment (strengths and weaknesses) of the parks, recreation and culture service areas, including a review of departmental human resources, policies and infrastructure.
Provide a framework of priorities for future decision-making that allows staff and Council to be responsive to changing needs, trends and emerging opportunities
Create an implementation strategy for the 2028 vision that addresses each of the following areas including service level changes, capital investments and human resource needs to meet the objectives.
- Parks services
- Facility services
- Recreation program services
- Trails services
- Cultural services
- Community special events
- Community development

More about the role of the Recreational Trails Master Plan

The Recreational Trails Master Plan outlines the strategic outlook for recreational opportunities in thee form of on and off-road trails over the next 20 years. It has been designed to support and grow the active transportation possibilities through strategic trail connections that bridge the natural environment and the community of Grimsby for all who choose this town to walk, cycle, ride, or roll.

Some of the key outcomes of the plan are:

To provide Town staff, partners, and stakeholders with the tools and resources necessary to affect change and increase overall interest, participation, and awareness of trails as a form and opportunity for enhance recreational mobility.

Identify a network of trail routes and facilities that looks to address the unique needs of trail users for recreational purposes and where appropriate points of connection and alignment with utilitarian connections.
Prepare a consistent set of design guidelines and standards which address not only the trail route but other complementary elements such as trail amenities, signage and wayfinding, crossings, and barriers.
Integrate trail planning and design best practices and lessons learned from local, provincial, national, and international examples.
Provide a strong planning foundation trough policy considerations and updates that align with the priorities and practices of the master plan.
Explorer unique and innovative design options and solutions for context specific sections of the network such as the escarpment, major regional roadways, waterways, and other natural and physical features.
Align with wider strategic priorities of the Town including climate change, environmental sustainability, and public health.
Develop a long-range strategy that supports day-to-day decision making in the short, medium, and long-term horizon that is adaptable and flexible to changing practices.
Identify education and encouragement programming to support and enhance the proposed infrastructure and policies with the goal of influencing recreational behaviors.
Provide staff with a clear structure and tools to support the design and implementation of trial infrastructure consistently within the Town boundary.
Provide opportunities for collaboration and coordination with local partners to support the build-out of continuous and connected trails network to support funding.
Leverage the involvement and interest of the community and key stakeholders through a robust engagement program to build capacity and support for Town staff.

2026

Park Infrastructure Improvements

This page provides residents with updates on planned and ongoing park infrastructure improvements—such as playground replacements, trail enhancements, lighting, accessibility features, and amenity upgrades—while highlighting project timelines, community benefits, and opportunities for public input.

The improvements made to Golf Woods Park will focus on the replacement of the play structure and swing set, as the existing equipment is outdated and due for replacement. The new play equipment will have a variety of elements to promote activity, community and outdoor play.

Future improvements that are being considered for the park include additional seating. This work would occur after the playground installation is completed. The image below shows the plans for the park’s improvements.

We look forward to bringing these improvements to the neighbourhood and thank you for your patience during this work. The completed park improvements will provide long-term benefits and enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.

Future park improvements are also being considered for Leawood Park and are planned to occur at a later date following the completion of the playground installation. The image below shows the plans for the park’s improvements.

Creek Restoration and Flood Mitigation Efforts

Town staff have recently completed several improvements to help stabilize the Forty Mile Creek at Centennial Park and reduce impacts from higher precipitation levels, including erosion, flooding, and standing water.

Work to be completed:

Pathway restoration: sections of the washed-out pathway were replaced to restore safe access through the park.
Debris removal: large debris blocking the creek was removed to improve water flow, reduce flooding in surrounding areas, and eliminate pockets of standing water.
Vegetated buffer preservation: a naturalized buffer along the creek edge is being left unmaintained to strengthen the bank through root systems and help prevent further erosion.

Town staff also recently completed a site visit with the NPCA to review longer-term solutions for the area.

Future improvements being considered include:

Replacing the culvert at the southern end of the creek with a wider bridge structure to improve water conveyance during heavy rainfall.
Replanting trees and ground cover in bare sections of the creek corridor that are more vulnerable to erosion.

These initiatives form part of the ongoing restoration and naturalization of the creek corridor. The area functions as a natural floodplain, meaning it is designed by nature to accommodate higher water levels during significant rainfall events. While the Town cannot fundamentally alter the hydrological characteristics of the site, we can work with nature to improve the creek's function, resilience, and ecological health. Naturalization efforts help stabilize creek banks, reduce erosion, improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and better manage stormwater flows. Trees, shrubs, and native vegetation require time to become established, and the full benefits of these restoration efforts may take several years to be realized. As these plants mature, their root systems will strengthen the creek corridor, help slow and absorb runoff, and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable natural environment for future generations.

2022:

2023:

2024:

Waterfront Lookout and Access Improvements:

The Town will be undertaking improvements at the northwest corner of the park to create a designated waterfront lookout area for residents to enjoy views of the lake and surrounding natural features.

The work will include:

Clearing brush along the top of the terrace to improve visibility and sightlines.
Pruning and removing select trees where necessary to improve safety.
Removing and replacing the existing fence.
Installing a bench to provide a comfortable viewing and resting area.
Restoring disturbed areas with seed to establish a new grassed area.
Creating a defined entry point from the main access ramp to the lookout area.

In addition, staff will be completing improvements to the access ramp leading to the waterfront to address drainage and erosion concerns and improve long-term durability.

This work will include:

Repaving the access ramp with asphalt and installing drainage measures to better manage surface water.
Replacing the existing barrier.

These improvements are intended to enhance public access to the waterfront, improve visitor experience, and address ongoing maintenance concerns related to erosion and drainage. The project will help ensure the area remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for residents while preserving the natural character of the park.

Waterfont Tree Replacement and Soil Restoration Project

The Town will be removing the dead trees within the Casablanca Waterfront park as part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe, healthy, and attractive park environment. Replacement trees are planned to be planted in the fall, which is generally considered one of the best times for tree establishment due to cooler temperatures and increased soil moisture.

The mortality of the existing trees is believed to be largely related to the urban soil conditions and topography of the site. Urban soils are often compacted and lack the organic matter, nutrients, and pore space needed for healthy root growth. In addition, the site's topography and exposure to wind, fluctuating moisture levels, and other environmental stresses can make it difficult for young trees to become established.

To improve the success of future plantings, the Town is developing a soil restoration practice that will be implemented prior to fall planting. Soil restoration involves improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil to create a healthier growing environment for trees. This may include measures such as reducing soil compaction, incorporating organic matter, improving soil structure, enhancing drainage and water retention, and increasing the availability of nutrients to developing root systems.

By addressing the underlying soil conditions before new trees are installed, the Town aims to provide a stronger foundation for healthy growth, improve long-term tree survival, and enhance the resilience of the waterfront landscape. These efforts will help ensure that the replacement trees can establish successfully and continue to provide environmental, aesthetic, and shade benefits for residents and visitors for years to come.

Soil and root health - get your soil & roots fixed before Winter. RTEC Treecare. (2025, June 12). https://rtectreecare.com/blog/root-health/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2025

Facility Improvements

This section provides residents with updates on planned and ongoing facility improvements—such as upgrades to community centres, arenas, and public buildings—while highlighting project timelines, enhanced accessibility and efficiency, community benefits, and opportunities for public input.

The expanded and renovated centre builds on the facility’s two existing arena ice pads and delivers a wide range of new and enhanced amenities designed to support sport, recreation and community use. Highlights include a dividable double gymnasium with an indoor walking track above, multi-use community rooms, a fully equipped fitness centre and fitness studio, a youth room and improvements to the West Pad dressing rooms. Enhancements extend beyond the building itself, with parking improvements, new pedestrian walkways and upgrades supporting safe access and active transportation across the Town Hall and Peach King Centre site.

The MRPKC will be a new home to a wide range of programs and community users. Local organizations such as the Grimsby Basketball Association, Grimsby Volleyball Association and Grimsby Pickleball Association will utilize the facility alongside Town-led fitness programs, summer camps, drop-in opportunities and activities for children and youth. The centre will also welcome the Grimsby 55+ Active Living Club, relocating its programming from the Livingston Activity Centre and continuing to support active living and social connection for older adults.

The MRPKC is officially open to the public for regular programming. The facility will operate seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Information about programs, services and facility use is available online at www.grimsby.ca.

The Elizabeth Street Pumphouse recently underwent a much-needed refresh to both its interior and exterior, with a full painting project completed to improve aesthetics, protect the structure, and extend the life of the building. All paint colour choices were made in consultation with the Town’s heritage planners to ensure the colours were heritage-appropriate and respectful of the building’s character. The dark windows and ceiling in contract to the wall colours brings highlights to these distinctive features in the building. Along with these updates, the facility’s outdated tube heating system was replaced with a new high-efficiency forced air furnace, providing a more reliable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution for heating.

These improvements not only enhance the appearance of the pumphouse but also ensure greater comfort and long-term sustainability of the facility. The kitchen area was also upgraded at the facility. Future projects will including adding new photos and information about the history of the facility on the walls of the pumphouse. These improvements update the look of the facility while preserving the heritage quality with the colour choices used.

2025

Park Infrastructure Improvements

The improvements made to Bell Park focused on the replacement of the play structure and swing set, as the existing equipment is outdated and due for replacement. The new play equipment will have a variety of elements to promote activity, community and outdoor play. A stonedust pathway is also planned for Bell Park. This pathway was recommended in the 2019 Recreational Trails Master Plan. The walking path is intended to promote neighbourhood walking, it provides an alternative to walking along the road and is intended to be placed in such a way to also keep the larger green spaces in use for active play areas.

Multiple improvements have been made to Forty Mile Creek Park including the replacement of the pedestrian bridge. The new bridge will not only improve connectivity but will enhance recreational opportunities for the whole community. The areas that were cleared for equipment be replanted with native species in the Fall. This will be a community planting event held in collaboration with the NPCA and TD as part of the TD Tree Days Program.

New wayfinding signage was also installed at multiple locations along the trail to help users identify their location in relation to park amenities, entrances, and exits.

New stairs have been installed to provide safe access to the beach area at Grimsby Beach, replacing the previous set that had become a safety hazard and had been closed for some time. The project was designed with safety as the top priority, with the size and placement carefully determined based on the stability of the existing slope. A durable steel railing has also been included to provide additional support and long-term reliability for users accessing the shoreline.

Staff are now working on some design plans to make improvements to the ramp area in the park so that it is easier to walk on and use.

This past Summer the Community Services Department introduced the Wind Phone at Centennial Park as a space of healing. The Wind Phone serves as a serene space open to those who have experienced loss. Developed through a collaborative effort between the Town of Grimsby, Grimsby Age-Friendly Advisory Committee and McNally Hospice House, this project is a gift of comfort, remembrance and reflection in our community.

A new railing has been installed on the staircase at Centennial Park to provide safe access to the lower section of the parkland area. The need for this improvement was highlighted during the installation of the Wind Phone this past June, when it was noted that access to this amenity may be limited without additional improvements to the staircase. With safety and accessibility as the top priority, a steel railing (pictured below) was installed to provide users with enhanced support and long-term reliability.

Multiple improvements have been made to South Beach including the installation of a new swing set and pathway for families to visit and enjoy the beautiful views!

A new in-park pathways have been installed over this past year at Kingsway Park. These new pathways make it easier for people to choose modes of active transportation (walking, biking, etc.) instead of driving. This supports lower greenhouse gas emissions, healthier, more active communities, and reduces traffic impacts near parks. Clear, stable pathways can mitigate the need for people to walk on sensitive areas or widen trails unintentionally. This can lower maintenance impacts over time, habitat disturbance, spread of invasive species through unmanaged trampling.