 Why are these renovations necessary? |
The majority of the park’s basic infrastructure and some of the recreation facilities have exceeded their useful life and capacity. There is a need to replace some of these assets to ensure the park remains a safe and enjoyable community asset, capable of accommodating more users over time and avoiding more costly repairs in the future.
The City of Brampton recognizes the important role that recreation and community centres play in the day-to-day lives of local residents, and remains committed to making investments in high-quality, accessible public infrastructure as Brampton continues to grow.
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| When will the renovations be complete? |
All building renovations must be completed by March 31st, 2011. The mini putt renovations will be completed May 2010 and the splash pad renovations will be completed by June 2010.
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| What areas of the park will be open during the summer of 2010? |
Most of the facilities on the west side of the park will be open this summer, including the formal gardens, barn, splash pad, mini putt and concession stand.
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| How much money did this project receive? |
The total project cost is $24.5 million, which is being split evenly between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Brampton.
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| Will we be getting more tennis courts? |
The existing tennis courts will be relocated and rebuilt, but the total number of courts will remain the same (6).
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| Will there be indoor tennis courts? |
Yes, indoor courts will still be available, as there are currently no plans to remove the tennis bubble.
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| Are the tennis courts being moved? |
Yes, the tennis courts will be relocated to the east side of the Curling Club.
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| Will the courts be repainted? |
Yes, the tennis courts will be rebuilt in their new location. They will be brand new.
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| What happens to unused tennis court fees that have been paid for this year? |
They will still be honoured when we re-open.
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| Are we going to have more lockers? |
There will be 130 full size lockers and 8 half lockers in each locker room.
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| Are we making the ski hill bigger? |
No, the ski hill will remain the same size with refinements to tube run and minor corrective grading to lower section of the hill.
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| Will the ski hill be open next year? |
The ski hill will be impacted by the construction of the new Chalet and will not be open for the winter 2010/11 season. Construction will be completed in March 2011.
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| Where will Canada Day celebrations be held this year? |
Canada Day celebrations will be relocated to the Powerade Centre for 2010.
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| Will the City be holding any special events in the park during the renovations? |
No, it will not be possible to host special events in the park during the construction period in order to protect the safety of the public. Events normally held at Chinguacousy Park will either be cancelled or relocated. Details will be announced as they become available
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| Are we getting more parking? |
Yes, more than 100 additional parking spaces will be added as a result of this construction project.
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| Will the existing parking still be available? |
Parking will be severely limited during the construction period, due to entrance improvements at our main entrance (Bramalea Road) and the Chalet entrance. The west parking lot will remain open, as well as the mini golf parking (limited until July 1st) The main access on the west side of the park (Central Park Drive and Hanover) will be the only access point for personal vehicles.
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| Are we getting a skating rink? |
Not at this time, though a skating rink is planned for future development.
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| How are the ponds being improved? |
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) will restore the ponds and streams through naturalized planting. New plant material will be added along the water’s edge, and new look out areas will be created. The watercourse enhancements throughout the park will help handle stormwater run-off by filtering water to reduce contaminant levels and improve water quality.
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| Will there be more picnic shelters? |
2 or 3 additional picnic shelters are planned.
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| Will the park be open during the summer of 2010 for picnicking? Can large groups reserve picnic areas during the renovations? |
Designated picnic areas will still be available, but there will be no reservations during the construction period.
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| Why have so many trees been cut down during construction? |
Minimal trees were cut down during the first phase of construction, and trees that could be moved were relocated to other areas of the park. Any trees that were not relocated were cut as an absolute last resort and only due to current or future infrastructure, however once the building is complete new trees and greenery will be planted.
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| During construction, what park amenities will be open? |
- New splash pad
- Mini golf
- Petting zoo
- Pony rides
- Barn
- Greenhouse
- Chapel
- Formal gardens
- Volleyball courts
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| Will the skateboard park be open this spring/summer/fall? |
Every effort will be made to keep the skateboard park available while construction is on-going. As a safety precaution, a fence will be erected to separate the skateboard park and the construction of the Chalet as well the Bramalea entrance upgrades.
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| Will washroom facilities be open during construction? |
The washrooms near the mini golf course will be open as well as a portable washroom unit on the west side of the park.
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| Will concession facilities be open during construction? |
The concession stand near the mini golf course in the south-east corner of the park will be open daily starting the second week of May and will maintain regular hours.
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| Why are you demolishing the ski chalet? (The current facility is not old – still has useful life) |
Current facility is twenty years old and has outgrown the program needs. The Chalet is far too congested during programs times and we are unable to rent the space for eight months of the year as our ski inventory takes up a quarter of the auditorium. In the new chalet, we will be able to invite the community to use our new facility twelve months of the year. The architects assessed the existing structure to see if renovation was possible and it was determined that the layout of the existing chalet was not conducive to being renovated and in fact would have cost more money. In addition the new facility will be fully accessible in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. It will also be energy efficient and adhere to current environmental guidelines.
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| Why are you demolishing the wading pool? (It’s only one of its kind left in the city – my kids love it) |
The wading pool was beginning to age and costs were climbing to keep the current wading pool in operation. The pool also produced challenges as it did not meet new safety and environmental standards. Additionally, the size of the wading pool was not conducive to the growing population of Brampton. The four new splash pads set to replace the pool are very interactive and fully automated, they only dispense water when in use, are fully accessible and each splash pad is programmed towards four distinctive age groups (toddler, 3-5, 6-9, and 9-14). This will allow four times the children to safely play. There will also be a freestanding wall that shoots out water at different intervals for children to run though. The new space incorporates many features that will allow the whole family to enjoy it such as: several shade structures, grass areas and knee walls for parents to sit and watch their children play.
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| What is in the park for seniors? |
There are numerous opportunities for Senior’s in the park.
- Walking/running/biking track surrounding the park almost 3km in length
- Indoor/Outdoor Tennis
- Mini Golf
- Curling
- Skiing
- 400 meter track for walking and running
- Formal garden area
- Newly re-constructed waterways
- Enjoy family time at the playgrounds
Additionally, the city of Brampton is also planning on offering senior specific programs once the park is complete.
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| What are the facilities on west side of park? |
There is a new Pavilion being built on the west side of the north pond that will house new washrooms, paddleboats, concession area with sitting room and a large deck to observe the newly restored ponds.
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| Is there going to be a dome over the track? Why not? |
No. The cost of a bubble to cover the track is quite expensive and unfortunately not a part of the current Infrastructure Stimulus Fund envelope.
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| Is there going to be a dome over the field? When? |
Provisions have been made to include a future dome over the football field. Exact date of the dome is not yet known.
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| What about all the lost playing fields (jr. soccer, baseball)? Where will the people go? |
The City worked closely with its user groups, and they have been re-located throughout the City at other facilities.
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| Will the curling ice be open for use during construction? |
No. All curling activities will be re-located to an arena which will house a temporary five sheet facility for the 2010/20111 Curling season starting in early October. We will make notice of the location By September.
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| Who can play on the new field? Will it cost money? |
Anyone can rent the field but it will need to be booked through 874-BOOK and there will be a rental fee associated with renting the facility.
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| We do a lot of walking on the track. When the new track opens, will we be allowed on it? Will it cost money? |
Yes the track will be available to use in the spring of 2011 and will be free as it was before.
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| What is happening with the Barn? |
The barn will remain as is, and will be fully operational during construction.
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