The community is invited to share their thoughts on a new park within Pickering’s exciting City Centre project, as design plans are in progress for the “heart” of the city’s future downtown.
Last fall, Pickering brought on board Toronto-based architects Mac Lennan Jaunkalns Miller to kick off the $15 million endeavor, with their services valued at nearly $750,000.
This park was highlighted in January as the second top priority for the capital budget during the first phase of the City Centre redevelopment. The park’s design received 15 proposals before council chose Liberty Village architects to lead the project.
Situated on the west side of Glenanna Road (across from Pickering City Hall), this park will transform 1.42 acres of repurposed surface parking lot space that project developers Centre Court handed over to the city as part of revitalizing the Shops at Pickering City Centre and implementing the City Centre Master Plan.
During discussions about development applications, city officials secured a 10 percent land conveyance for parkland – double what is typically required under the Planning Act.
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This new destination park aims to provide engaging experiences throughout all seasons, including an outdoor rink in winter and event spaces in summer where people can “gather, celebrate and connect” year-round, laying down a foundation for a “more connected and iconic downtown.”
A few additional features being considered for inclusion in the park – based on public feedback – include water elements, art installations, shaded areas with structures for stages, trees with soft landscaping, seating areas for gatherings, and restrooms.
The city planners envision this park as a welcoming place that prioritizes sustainability and serves as a cultural hub that will last long into the future.
This summer, three different park models will be available for public input during City Centre Park Pop-Ups at various locations: at the mall on Fridays (the Community Desk inside Entrance 2 by Roots) from 4:30 to 7:30 p. m., during summer concerts at Rick Johnson Memorial Park (5:30-7:30 p. m.) on July 4th, July 18th and August 8th, along with July 13th events at Esplanade Park (2-4 p. m.)
Urban Grove
Island of Serenity
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Cultural Heart
Residents are encouraged to give feedback on these early design ideas.
The final design is set to be presented to council by early summer with construction anticipated later this year or early next year in 2026.
Centre Court is spearheading redevelopment efforts around Pickering Town Centre lands creating a vibrant mixed-use community spanning across 55 acres. This major project will feature residential towers alongside retail and commercial spaces while enhancing public areas – anchored by an updated shopping destination now referred to as The Shops at Pickering City Centre.
The planning process started back in 2017 when discussions about revitalizing City Centre began. Initial concepts were based on a joint development model but shifted towards using city-owned land while maximizing existing resources instead of starting completely from scratch.
This park has been marked as #2 priority since January of 2024.
The latest vision includes moving Esplanade South slightly southward so new facilities can face Esplanade Park green space directly creating an appealing connected downtown area.
Facilities and amenities proposed for City Centre consist of:
New Central Library Community Center featuring dedicated seniors & youth areas Performing Arts Center Expanded administration space for City Hall Public Square New interconnected green spaces designed like a ‘campus’ concept – one located on Glenanna Road’s west side offering activities throughout all seasons while another positioned south of current Central Library providing gathering opportunities plus potential event space Residential developments situated above both Library and Community Center.
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This new destination park aims to provide engaging experiences throughout all seasons, including an outdoor rink in winter and event spaces in summer where people can “gather, celebrate and connect” year-round, laying down a foundation for a “more connected and iconic downtown.”
A few additional features being considered for inclusion in the park – based on public feedback – include water elements, art installations, shaded areas with structures for stages, trees with soft landscaping, seating areas for gatherings, and restrooms.
The city planners envision this park as a welcoming place that prioritizes sustainability and serves as a cultural hub that will last long into the future.
This summer, three different park models will be available for public input during City Centre Park Pop-Ups at various locations: at the mall on Fridays (the Community Desk inside Entrance 2 by Roots) from 4:30 to 7:30 p. m., during summer concerts at Rick Johnson Memorial Park (5:30-7:30 p. m.) on July 4th, July 18th and August 8th, along with July 13th events at Esplanade Park (2-4 p. m.)
Urban Grove
Island of Serenity
