‘What We Learned’

Engagement with the project included strong awareness and review of the proposed park design:

• 3,511 people visited at least one project webpage
• 1,450 people reviewed multiple pages and/or downloaded materials
• 293 surveys were submitted

Overall, the City interprets this level of participation as indicating that most visitors to the public engagement website were generally satisfied with the proposed park design and did not feel the need to provide additional comments. The feedback summarized below reflects the themes most commonly raised through the survey submissions.

Some respondents shared concerns about impacts to the existing natural landscape. In response:

• While a portion of the park is identified for active recreation, a large portion of the overall park will remain with a natural character.
• Any work within the 100‑year floodplain will be minimized and completed in accordance with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.
• The existing tree canopy will be preserved as much as possible to maintain the park’s natural feel. Some tree removal will be required to accommodate planned amenities.
• Areas where trees must be removed for grading or construction, but that are not intended for recreational uses, will be considered for replanting with native tree species.
• Tree planting along pathways and around amenities will be included wherever feasible, taking into account available space and budget.

Feedback was also provided on the range and type of amenities proposed for the park:

• Option 1 for the play equipment has been selected. This option uses Canadian-made equipment, which was a factor in its selection.
• Requests for additional or dedicated tennis and pickleball courts cannot be accommodated due to space limitations.
• Lighting for amenities (such as tennis or basketball courts) is not being included to limit impacts on the surrounding natural environment and wildlife.
• Areas are being considered within both parking lots to accommodate temporary or seasonal washroom facilities.
• For technical reasons, the football end zones will be removed; however, the upright combination soccer/football posts are anticipated to be included to allow flexible field use. Portions of the area surrounding the field may require fencing for safety.
• Seating and shade will be provided to the greatest extent possible within the project budget.
• A mid‑range (ability level), 9‑hole disc golf course is planned south of the sports field. The design will retain as much of the existing treed area as possible.
• A cricket pitch was considered but is not feasible at this location due to space constraints.
• A flat, informal grassed area for a pétanque court is being explored.
• Parking availability was raised as a concern. The park will be well connected to the surrounding multi‑use pathway network, and many visitors are expected to arrive on foot or by bicycle.
• Additional pathway connections on the west side of the park are being explored.

Public Consultation

(February 16 - March 4, 2026)

The community is invited to review the updated concept plan for a new district-level park located along the north side of the Jock River in Barrhaven West (Ward 3) and to provide feedback on the overall design, as well as input on specific design elements. While all comments and suggestions will be carefully considered, not all may be feasible due to budget, space limitations, or technical constraints. Your input is greatly appreciated.

Please note that a significant portion of the park lies within the Jock River’s 100-year floodplain or includes natural features such as steep slopes, forested areas, and ravines. These features enhance the natural environment but may limit opportunities for the development of built recreational amenities.

There are 3 available documents available for download, as a PDF, in the “Document Library” on the right-hand side of this page:

1. The proposed Water’s Bend Park overall concept plan, representative images of the proposed amenities, and a more detailed dog park layout
2. Play equipment & splash pad – Option 1
3. Play equipment & splash pad – Option 2

The park will be developed in accordance with the City’s Accessibility Design Standards.