Investing in Windsor Through Parks and Recreation

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Ward 4 Councillor Mark McKenzie, and Executive Director of Parks and Facilities James Chacko took a first hand look at one of the numerous investments in parks and recreation spaces and amenities outlined this week in the 2023 City of Windsor Budget.

For this year, the City has allocated over $21 million through Council toward parks and recreation improvements. This investment includes the replacement of 18 playgrounds with modern accessible play structures. Each selected park will be updated with accessible creative play structures and rubber surfacing that enhances safety and eases maintenance. The City’s 2023 operating budget approved about $46 million for Parks, Recreation & Culture, and the 10-year capital plan will invest in excess of $175 million in City parks, arenas and recreation.

Improvements to the following playgrounds will be completed this year with the playgrounds expected to be opening throughout the summer months:

• Aboriginal Park (2376 Northway Avenue)
• Bradley Park (3460 Cross Street)
• Coletta Park (2979 Coletta Court)
• Cora Greenwood Park (109 Little River Boulevard)
• Devonshire Park (2005 Devonshire Court)
• Fred Thomas Park (400 Wyandotte Street East)
• Garwood Park (765 Irvine Avenue)
• Gignac Park (705 Shepherd Street East)
• Kominar Park (4650 Alpenrose Avenue)
• Lake Laguna Park (5001 Southwood Lakes Boulevard)
• Maple Leaf Park (3974 Maple Leaf Crescent)
• Mayfair Park (2539 Chandler Road)
• McKee Park (3026 Sandwich Street)
• Patrick Maguire Park (3782 Holburn Street)
• Robert Park (2747 Robert Road)
• Seneca Park (3515 Wildwood Drive)
• Stillmeadow Park (3039 Stillmeadow Road)
• Willistead Park (1899 Niagara Street)
• Homesite Park (998 Villaire Avenue)

This work is in addition to playgrounds that were renewed late last year, including the following:

• Alton C. Parker Park (450 Brodhead Street)
• Avondale Playlot (402 Grand Marais West)
• Dynasty Park (605 Dynasty Street)
• Francois Court Park (895 Francois Court)
• Jennifer Park (2935 Jennifer Drive)
• Kenilworth Park (3466 Whiteside Drive)
• Kid’s Alliance (1075 University Avenue East)
• Legacy Park (620 Riverside Drive West)
• Little River Corridor (10091 Riverside Drive East)
• Matthew Rodzik Park (545 Rodfam Drive)
• Shawnee Park (5185 Colbourne Drive)
• South Rendezvous (11997 Riverside Drive East)
• St. Paul Grove Park (1020 St Paul Avenue)
• Thurston Park (2763 Rivard Avenue)
• Wilson Park (700 McEwan Avenue)

Quotes:

“The City’s 2023 budget is about investing in Windsor in prudent, responsible and impactful ways. Council passed the lowest possible tax levy increase, with a plan that not only ensures that inflationary pressures are accounted for, but also invests in our future growth and our quality of life. We are not compromising public services or amenities. With a $21 million investment, we’re continuing work to update and enhance some of our community’s favourite parks and recreation facilities. These new playgrounds are modern and accessible, unique and innovative. We’re excited to move forward with these types of improvements that benefit everyone across the community, now and well into the future.”
- Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens