The New Park in Southwest Brantford: What You Need to Know (and How to Get Involved)

Brantford is buzzing with excitement about the new park in southwest Brantford. The city is investing heavily in green spaces, and this latest project promises to transform the neighbourhood. Here’s what you need to know about what’s planned, what’s been accomplished, and how you can help shape the future of your community.

TL;DR

• A new 24-acre community park is coming to southwest Brantford, set to open in 2026.
• Amenities include a cricket pitch, artificial turf sports field, pickleball and tennis courts, skate park, splash pad, accessible playground, and more.
• Significant preparatory work has been completed, including rezoning, design finalization, and environmental assessments.
• Residents are invited to suggest names and attend public open houses.
• Stakeholders include city officials, Grand Erie District School Board, Brantford Public Library, and local residents.
• Potential concerns around traffic and funding are being addressed.

What’s Being Built and Where?

The new park in southwest Brantford is set to become a community hub between Shellard Lane and McGuiness Drive. Adjacent to the upcoming Southwest Community Centre, this location will serve the growing population of West Brant, offering essential recreational space and enhancing local quality of life.

Timeline and Key Features

City planners aim to have the park completed by 2026. Key highlights include:

• Accessible Playground: Equipped with rubberized surfacing and swings, ensuring inclusivity for children of all abilities.
• Splash Pad: A water play area designed for children to cool off during warmer months.
• Multi-Use Courts: Paved areas suitable for basketball games in the summer and transformed into neighbourhood ice rinks during winter.
• Pickleball and Tennis Courts: Five new outdoor courts complete with bleachers to accommodate spectators.
• Artificial Turf Sports Field: A versatile field designed for various sports activities.
• Activity Hub Building: Features a concession stand, washroom facilities, team change rooms, and a referee change room to support park users.
• Cricket Pitch and Field House: A regulation-sized tournament cricket pitch accompanied by a Field House equipped with washrooms and change rooms.
• Skate Park and Disc Golf: Facilities catering to skateboarding enthusiasts and disc golf players.
• Shade Structures and Landscaping: Incorporation of shade structures and new plantings to enhance the park’s aesthetic and provide comfort.
• Connectivity: Paved parking lots, walking paths, and trail connections linking neighbouring subdivisions and the CN Rail Trail.

Work Accomplished So Far

Significant preparatory work has been undertaken to set the foundation for the park’s development:

• Rezoning: The project site has been rezoned to OS1 and OS3, aligning with the intended park development.
• Design and Tendering: Project design and tendering were completed in summer 2024, with the construction contract awarded to Gateman Milloy Inc.
• Surveys and Investigations: Detailed surveys and geotechnical investigations have been conducted to assess site conditions.
• Environmental Impact Study (EIS): An EIS was completed, researching local flora and fauna, and documenting water levels and quality. This study has been reviewed by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the City of Brantford’s Engineering Department.
• Stormwater Management Plan: A preliminary plan has been developed and reviewed to ensure efficient and environmentally effective stormwater capture.
• Traffic Impact Study: The 2016 Traffic Impact Study has been updated to reflect current conditions and projections.
• Collaborations: Ongoing meetings and communications with internal departments and the Joint Build Development Team continue to review project objectives and discuss site servicing, roads, and integration of the park site into the overall property.

Community Centre and Associated Buildings

The Southwest Community Centre and Park project is a collaborative initiative involving the City of Brantford, the Grand Erie District School Board, and the Brantford Public Library. The development includes:

• Elementary School: Accommodating 650 students with 23 classrooms, four kindergarten rooms, and a four-room, 64-space childcare centre within a 108,000-square-foot building.
• Public Library Branch: A 13,500-square-foot facility featuring programming space, study rooms, and an outdoor reading terrace.
• Activity Hub Building: Centrally located between the multi-use court, accessible playground, parking lot, and sports fields, this building includes a concession stand, washroom facilities, team change rooms, and a referee change room.
• Cricket Field House: Situated on the southeast edge of the cricket field, this building offers washroom facilities, an officials’ change room, and team change rooms.

Pickleball and Tennis Courts Details

The park’s design includes:

• Pickleball Courts: Three tournament-play pickleball courts and two accessible pickleball courts, providing opportunities for both competitive and recreational play.
• Tennis Courts: Integrated within the pickleball court area, offering versatile use for tennis enthusiasts.
• Amenities: Spectator bleachers and shade shelters to enhance the comfort of players and viewers alike.
• Multi-Use Court: A paved and refrigerated court suitable for basketball during warmer months and transformed into an ice-skating rink in winter, ensuring year-round usability.

Comparing Brantford Parks

Think Mohawk Park meets Harmony Square, minus the splash pad but plus more greenery. Unlike Lions Park, which emphasizes sports tournaments, this new park will blend active recreation and passive relaxation, providing diverse amenities that cater to a broader range of residents.

How You Can Get Involved (continued)

Residents are invited to:

• Suggest Names:
  The City of Brantford is inviting residents and sports and recreation user groups to participate in naming the city’s future community park. You can submit your ideas through Let’s Talk Brantford. The top suggestions will be presented to Council for final approval.
• Attend Open Houses:
  Drop by these upcoming open houses to learn more, ask questions, and provide your feedback:
  • Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Assumption College School – Cafeteria (257 Shellard Lane)
  • Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Doug Snooks Eagle Place Community Centre (333 Erie Ave)

Potential Concerns

Every major development comes with challenges, and this new park is no exception. Issues being actively addressed include:

• Traffic Management:
  The city is reviewing traffic patterns and planning improvements to handle increased activity effectively.
• Funding and Budgets:
  Ensuring responsible use of resources, the city is pursuing grants and partnerships to minimize taxpayer impact.
• Environmental Impact:
  Sustainability is a priority, with environmental assessments completed and practices implemented to protect local ecosystems.

Have a great idea for naming the new park in southwest Brantford? Want your voice heard on upcoming developments? Submit your ideas at Let’s Talk Brantford or attend one of the open houses.

Your input shapes Brantford—help build something incredible!