Carillon Park – What We Learned

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Carillon Park renewal consultation.

The City received a combined total of 54 responses through the English and French online surveys, in addition to feedback collected during the in-person public consultation.

Overall, the feedback was very positive and demonstrated strong community support for the proposed improvements to Carillon Park and the sponge park concept. Residents expressed a clear interest in creating a greener, family-friendly and climate-resilient park that balances recreation, accessibility, comfort and environmental improvements.

What We Heard

Preferred playground and splash pad concept

Concept 1 was the clear preference among participants.

At the in-person consultation, 7 out of 10 participants preferred Concept 1. The online surveys also demonstrated strong support for the same concept in both the English and French responses.

Based on this feedback, Concept 1 will be used as the basis for the detailed design.

More play opportunities for children

Residents expressed interest in expanding the playground and providing additional play opportunities for children. Specific requests included swings, monkey bars and additional play features.

In response to this feedback, the playground area will be expanded and monkey bars will be incorporated into the new playground design.

Due to the limited space available within the park, unfortunately here is not sufficient room to accommodate swings.

Shade and comfort

Shade was an important theme throughout the consultation. Residents identified the importance of providing comfortable places for families to spend time in the park and raised concerns about playground equipment and surfaces becoming hot during the summer.

In response to this feedback, a roof providing shade will be incorporated into the new playground structure, similar to the roof on the existing play structure. Existing mature trees and shaded seating areas will also continue to provide shade within the park.

Environmental and sponge park features

Residents expressed strong support for the environmental components of the project, including native and pollinator-friendly planting, preservation of mature trees, improved stormwater management and climate-resilient landscaping.

Many participants identified the sponge park features as one of the strengths of the proposed design. These elements will remain an important component of the project as the design advances.

Accessibility and safety

Residents expressed support for improved accessibility and pathway connections within the park. Some participants also suggested adding fencing along portions of the playground.

The renewed park will be designed to meet applicable accessibility requirements. Additional fencing around the playground is not currently proposed, as the existing raised planter and mature trees already provide separation and help define the play area.

Additional park amenities

Residents also suggested additional amenities, including recycling and waste receptacles and outdoor exercise opportunities for adults.

As part of the park improvements, three-stream waste receptacles will be incorporated. BenchFit signage will also be added to benches near the playground and splash pad to provide opportunities for informal outdoor exercise.

Traffic concerns

During the in-person consultation, residents also raised concerns related to traffic and traffic calming on Carillon Street and Park Street.

While these concerns are outside the scope of the Carillon Park renewal project, the feedback has been noted.

What Happens Next

The consultation feedback is being incorporated into the detailed design of Carillon Park.

Concept 1 will move forward as the basis for the design. In response to community feedback, the playground will be expanded, monkey bars will be incorporated, and the new play structure will include a roof to provide additional shade.

The detailed design will continue to balance community feedback with available space, existing site conditions, accessibility requirements and the approved project budget.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to share their feedback and help shape the future of Carillon Park.