Funding announced for work at two local parks
Posted Jan 22, 2010 By Sheena Bolton
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EMC News Buildings at Vincent Massey Park and Hog's Back Park will receive substantial renovations thanks to stimulus funding from the federal government.
Sheena Bolton, Ottawa South EMC
Thanks to a federal stimulus grant, buildings at Hog's Back Park (above) and Vincent Massey Park will receive much-needed upgrades.
Both parks were built in the late 1950s and neither has received significant improvements, only minor renovations, over the past several decades of use.
Owned by the National Capital Commission (NCC), Michael Muir, land manager with the NCC, said plans have been developed to renovate portions of both parks in the next five years.
"This funding provided a good opportunity for us and we are quite enthused about it," said Mr. Muir. "Overall, we are trying to improve the visitor experience as a lot of the buildings built 50 years ago aren't up to today's standards."
These projects, which will cost $3 million each, will allow the parks to reach city construction standards.
"Vincent Massey Park's concession building is in urgent need of rehabilitation and will become universally accessible," explained Mr. Muir.
Renovations on the park's bus shelter, entrance pavilion and bandstand building are also planned.
"The park was designed by a man named Hart Massey, he won the Massey Award for Architecture in 1958 for his design," noted River ward Coun. Maria McRae. "In 2007, the concession building, bus shelter and entrance pavilion were designated as heritage buildings."
The focus for work at the park is to improve accessibility and create a welcoming environment for visitors with more entrance points. To do this, improvements will also be made to the location's recreational pathways, parking facilities and landscape.
"It's important for us to rehabilitate the heritage structures because we want to make sure future generations can access this sort of thing," the councillor said.
As for Hog's Back Park, work to the public washroom and concession buildings will be the main focus.
"We are looking at rehabilitating heritage, improving universal accessibility and public use and bringing the building up to current standards of the city and improving the environmental sustainability," Mr. Muir said.
"These projects will be good for many generations to enjoy the improved accessibility, durability and functionality," said Coun. McRae. "We are looking at a $6 million investment into two key parks and buildings in our ward and I'm very grateful for the leadership of the NCC and the federal government for having the vision to make these necessary improvements and rehabilitation projects."
In total, the NCC received $35 million from the federal government to fund 14 projects. Mr. Muir said the NCC is looking to start renovations at Vincent Massey and Hog's Back parks this summer. All projects must be completed by March 2011 to receive the funding.
