CARLETON PLACE — A Centennial Park redesign could be in line for a significant update, although details remain under discussion.
At Carleton Place’s committee of the whole meeting on April 7, Recreation and Culture Manager Joanne Henderson presented two conceptual options for the waterfront park. Both focus on improving accessibility, enhancing the beach, and encouraging longer visits along the Mississippi River.
The concepts, developed by Stantec Consulting, take different approaches. Option one emphasizes trails and connectivity, including extending the O-Kee-Lee Trail into the park with paved pathways, improved parking, and accessible routes to the beach and gathering areas. Option two retains the existing soccer field while adding features such as walking loops, shaded seating, and flexible recreation spaces.
The presentation prompted discussion among council members, with general support leaning toward option two.
Accessibility was identified as a key priority. Several members said that if the beach is upgraded, accessibility improvements should extend across the park, including trails and change facilities. There was also support for a waterfront boardwalk-style feature, described as a wide, accessible deck for seating and viewing the river.
In addition to suggestions from the consultant, such as bocce courts and chess tables, council members proposed a half basketball court for younger teens, along with practical additions including washrooms, water bottle filling stations, and amenities for nearby seniors.
Mayor Toby Randell and others urged caution around costs. With no existing water or sewer servicing the park, even basic infrastructure such as washrooms could significantly increase the overall budget.
Carleton Place council members ultimately supported a phased approach, focusing first on three core elements: an accessible beach, a connected trail system, and the proposed waterfront feature. Staff will return to the consultant to refine those components and provide baseline cost estimates before considering additional features.
There was also support for examining a potential expansion of the beach, with Randell noting it reaches capacity on busy days.
Committee recommended allocating up to an additional $10,000 for more detailed design work, particularly for the waterfront structure, which may require engineering review and conservation authority approvals.
The project is expected to be funded through development charges, according to Henderson.
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