Checkerspot Park

What we learned - February 2024 Update

Over the survey period the webpage was visited nearly 700 times. 25 individuals responded to survey and a strong majority identified a preference for Option 2. Staff will direct the park builder to further this design. Modifications may be necessary to ensure it meets technical, safety and accessibility requirements.

Notably there was lots of interest and excitement expressed for the natural wood materials, the rope climber and swings shown in the concepts. Interest in native species plantings was expressed. The park will be planted with low maintenance native tree and shrub species.

Respondents also expressed a desire to see other facilities: a splashpad, skateboard park, and Fitness equipment. Planning staff note the public interest in these ideas. These facilities are outside or above the scope and budget for this parkette. Staff regret that a splash pad is not possible in the Western Development area of Richmond due to water servicing limitations.

Accessibility was a priority mentioned in the comments by several respondents. All new or redeveloped play outdoor play spaces in City of Ottawa parks are designed to be compliant with the AODA Design for Public Spaces Standard, and with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z614-14 Annex H: Children’s Playspaces and Equipment that are Accessible to Persons with Disabilities. This document provides detailed specifications for playspace elements (i.e. play components, accessible routes, transfer systems, and ground surfaces) as well as specifications for the different developmental stages of children with disabilities.

January 2024

The City is looking for your feedback on the design of a new Park located in Richmond Village. The New Park will be generally southwest of Meynell and Ottawa Street West. The Park will have frontage on two future streets: Checkerspot Avenue and Pearly Everlasting Crescent.

The park will be named Checkerspot Park after the corresponding street, which references the Checkerspot Butterfly.

You can download and review the two different Park Design Options in the ‘Document' tab. The concepts show the proposed designs and more information on the proposed park amenities. Please be aware that the final park plan may differ from the concepts being presented as a result of the public consultation responses, technical detailing, and material supply and/ or financial constraints.

Both park design options feature natural materials in their construction, as well as a gazebo and greenspace.

Option 1 includes a wood structure climber with slide, a junior climber and swings.

Option 2 includes a large rope climber, a pendulum swing, a saucer swing, junior play structure with slide and playhouse in the sand area.

Take the survey below to share your feedback around the design choices. Please feel free to leave a comment about what aspects you like in the park designs. The survey will be open until January 31 and can only be taken once per account.

This website will be updated at a later date to summarize the public feedback as well as with the project schedule as more information is available.