Background:
The Parks and Recreation Department is planning for a third all-weather field to address the increasing need for playable sports fields throughout the year. Funding for planning and design is allocated for 2025-2026. Initial site considerations were narrowed down to Terry Hughes Park and Ryall Park by the Community Sports Leadership Group for further evaluation and community feedback.
Below is a summary of the feedback we received. A full What We Heard Summary Report is available here
Consultation:
A comprehensive consultation process informed this project, including:
- Community Sports Leadership Group Meetings: Two meetings were held to establish project parameters and review potential sites.
- Neighbourhood Check-in Events: Pop-up events were held at Terry Hughes Park and the Queensborough Community Centre to gather neighbourhood input for each site.
What We Heard:
Terry Hughes Park Pop-Up Event (Monday, February 10, 2025, 3:00-6:00pm).
Feedback indicated strong support for retaining the natural grass, with concerns raised about potential environmental, traffic, parking, lighting, noise, and health impacts of artificial turf. Residents value the park as open green space for diverse recreational activities.
Queensborough Community Centre Pop-Up Event (Thursday, February 20, 2025, 3:00–6:00 pm).
Residents expressed strong support for locating the new ATF at Ryall Park, highlighting the current shortage of local sports facilities. Suggestions included incorporating a walking track for broader community use. Concerns regarding environmental impacts, noise, lighting, traffic, and parking were raised, with requests for thorough studies and mitigation plans.
Next Steps
Based on community feedback, the technical feasibility study will now focus exclusively on Ryall Park South. Staff will also assess the efficiency of incorporating a second candidate site, from the shortlist created by the Sports Leadership Group, into the technical study for future artificial turf field (ATF) development. Additionally, responding to strong community support and Council direction, staff will explore options for integrating a perimeter walking track/path into the Ryall Park ATF design.
What is a technical Feasibility Study?
The feasibility study will confirm the following:
- Site suitability: Ensuring the area is free from obstacles (e.g. overhanging trees, rights-of-way).
- Existing Use Agreements: Any restrictions on development.
- Ground Conditions: Evaluating soil stability, drainage capacity and archeological assessment.
- Utility Availability: Assessing access to water, sewer, and electrical services.
- Environmental Impact: Identifying potential effects on local ecosystems, including sustainability concerns.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring alignment with City bylaws, park master plans, and other relevant regulations.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Comparing projected costs with long-term benefits.
Anticipated Project Timeline
- December 05, 2024 : Meeting #1 with Sports Leadership Group
- December 19, 2024: Meeting #2 with sports leadership group
- February 10, 2025: Neighbourhood Check-in #1 - Terry Hughes Park
- February 20, 2025: Neighbourhood Check-in #2– Queensborough Community Centre
- May 5, 2025- Report Consultation Results to City Council
- Summer/Fall 2025: Conduct technical feasibility study (in progress)
- January 2026: Recommend a preferred site to City Council
- Fall 2026: Submit Final Feasibility Study to City Council
Contact Information
For more information, please contact