New Park - Rhubarb Park (Kanata)

May 2025 - Survey results and “What we learned”

Thanks to all those who reviewed and provided feedback on the proposed park design for Rhubarb Park. Over the course of the public consultation survey period, over 800 visits were made to the project webpage and 32 responses were provided to the survey. The survey asked respondents to identify their preferred play equipment option of the two presented. General comments were collected on the play equipment and overall park design.

A preference for play equipment Option 1 was identified by the majority of respondents. Additional comments were generally positive and supportive of the play equipment options and park design. Here is a summary to the most common comments provided and corresponding responses.

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1. Accessibility & Inclusivity

Concern:

Residents expressed concern about inclusive, barrier-free park and play equipment.

Response:

• The park and play equipment will be designed in to meet the City of Ottawa Accessibility Design Standards as well as safety standards.

• Accessible surfaces will be used throughout the park, including in the play areas and pathways. Accessible seating will be provided throughout the park.

• An inclusive harness swing seat is proposed in the design. The design team will consider additional opportunities to include play elements in the detailed park design.

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2. Waste Management / Dogs

Concern:

There were serval comments and requests for waste, recycling, and dog waste bins.

Response:

• A number of waste bins will be provided in the park at entrance/exits. Specifics, including recycling options will be determined in consultation with the City’s waste collection team.

• Pet waste bins are not proposed for the park. A fenced-in dog area is not proposed in the park and pet waste collection is not within the scope of the park construction. Pet owners are always required to stoop and scoop and dispose of dog waste at their own premises in accordance with the By-law.

• Signage and permissions for dogs will is in accordance with the Dogs-in-Parks Designation Policy (DIPDP) and the Animal Care and Control By-law.

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3. Shade & Seating

Concern:

Residents emphasized the need for shaded seating areas for caregivers, especially around play zones.

Response:

The design will:

• The park plan prioritizes retention of existing trees and the detailed landscape plan will include a diversity of new and native tree plantings

• Picnic tables with canopies have been proposed near the play equipment area. Other seating areas will be shaded by trees. Additional canopy tables will be considered if budget allows.

• Bench locations will be refined to improve views to play areas, the basketball courts etc.

April 2025 - Project launch

The City is looking for your feedback on the design concept of a new park located in the Copperwood Estate community of Kanata North. The New Park will be generally west of March Road and north of Old Carp Road. The Park will have frontage on two future streets: Rhubarb Ridge and Whitlow Grass Way. The park will be named Rhubarb Park, corresponding with the adjacent street name.

The park concept includes play equipment, sand play, a basketball court, and shaded seating. It also includes extensive pathways and an asphalt pump track. A pump track is a purpose-built circuit for navigating with a bike or other wheeled device using momentum. The pump track will be suitable for a wide range of skill levels, children and adults alike. You can see a rendering of the pump track in the Concept plan.

Two different options are provided for play equipment in the park. You can download and view the overall Concept, as well as play equipment Option 1 and Option 2 from the document tab.

Please be aware that the final park plan may differ from the concept being presented as a result of the public consultation responses, technical detailing, and material supply and/ or financial constraints. Comments can be provided to the Park Planner by completing the quick Survey below on April 3. Thanks for your interest!