Improvements coming to Spencer Smith Park promenade
Residents will soon notice work taking place in Spencer Smith Park along sections of the promenade. The work is funded in part by Canada 150 Funding and must be complete by March 31, 2018. Details are below.
Background:
The Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park Master Plan, which includes both Spencer Smith and Beachway Parks, was approved at Regional Council on May 20, 2015. Halton Region received a Canada 150 grant that will help the Region fund the implementation of phases 1 and 2, for improvements in Spencer Smith Park. The City of Burlington is overseeing the design and construction of the project in conjunction with Halton Region. The Canada 150 Funding agreement has a deadline of March 31, 2018 for all work to be finished.
Phase 1, which will be complete in spring 2017, includes:
- an upgraded gazebo at a new location
- hard surfaced walkway, pedestrian lighting and benches
- tree and perennial planting
- grading and drainage improvements
Phase 2, scheduled to be completed in 2017, includes:
- asphalt surfacing on promenade
- new shade structure at cobble beach
- concrete surfacing at seating nodes
- concrete surfacing of pathway at west end
- refurbishment of parapet wall
- railings along west end of parapet wall
- bollards and benches
The promenade surface replacement with new asphalt will upgrade the surface to an accessible pathway that is smooth, durable and suitable for walking, cycling and use by mobility devices, such as wheelchairs. A dashed centre line will be painted down the centre, which is the current industry standard for a multi-use path; to provide separation based on direction of travel. This will be familiar to users, as it is the same principle as driving on the road, where you `keep to the right’ and allow faster traffic to pass on the left.
Promenade:
The existing surface along most of the promenade is asphalt that has been stamped and painted, to create a coloured brick pattern. The promenade surface has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. To maintain public safety, there will be no public access to construction areas. Park users will be asked to walk around the area via grassy areas or other pathways through the park or along Lakeshore Road.Sections of the promenade in Spencer Smith Park will be closed for construction from April to December 2017. This work will be completed in phases to accommodate annual major festivals and events, such as the Sound of Music Festival and Ribfest, that use the park to host their events.