The City of Welland is asking citizens to provide valuable input on the future vision and design of Sparrow Meadows Park. Sparrow Meadows is an open greenspace that is located near a thriving subdivision on Gaiser Rd. The park has the potential to develop into a welcoming hub where residents can get active, socialize, and connect with nature.

Citizens and stakeholders can assist during part one of the project by submitting ideas and comments for potential design and use of Sparrow Meadows Park through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire—located on the city’s online public engagement platform YourChannel—asks participants various questions that address transportation, active lifestyle, recreational preferences, and accessibility requirements. The Sparrow Meadows questionnaire is open to the public until December 4, 2020.

City staff and a consulting Landscape Architect will evaluate the results during part two of the project. They will develop a wish list from the questionnaire data and prepare a design concept for the park.

Citizens will be asked to participate again during part three of the project. Once a draft design has been prepared, further community consultation is anticipated to assist with selecting play equipment and/or other specific elements for the park. When the selection of preferred elements is finalized, the project will be tendered, and city staff will present the results for council approval and proceed with construction in 2021. Depending on public feedback, additional phasing may be considered to accommodate the overall vision and future needs for Sparrow Meadows.

“We want to create an all-encompassing public space that can evolve with the public’s needs,” said Krista Bowie, Community Development & Volunteer Coordinator. “We want this greenspace not only to be welcoming, but we also want this to be a community hub where people often visit and make it a part of their lifestyle.”

To participate in the Sparrow Meadows questionnaire, visit Sparrow Meadows Park Development at YourChannel. For more information on Welland’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, visit https://www.welland.ca/RecCulture/pdf/WellandPRCMasterPlan.pdf.