April 8, 2016 - Paterson Park may look very different in the near future according to concept plans presented to the public at a meeting last night on proposed options for the park's redevelopment.

Three potential designs were presented, and participants were invited to share their feedback as well as identify their preferred plan. 

"The concept plans were based on ideas residents proposed during extensive community engagement conducted when the project began in 2012 as a partnership with 8-80 Cities," said Colin Berman, Landscape Architect at Brook McIlroy.

"Each design incorporates features to enhance the park's infrastructure, increase programming and events, improve accessibility, encourage all-season use, and celebrate the park's history and the City's rich culture. From seating, to art, to things to do, meeting participants were asked to identify the features they felt should be included in the final design."

The park was one of eight sites selected across the province to participate in the Make a Place for People project, and a six-month community-led visioning process yielded hundreds of ideas regarding how the park could be used and improved.

"Since the outset, this project has been rooted in community collaboration and community-focused design," said Werner Schwar, Supervisor - Parks & Open Space Planning. "It made sense to all partners involved that the public should have an opportunity to tell us how to transform the park into a space where people of all ages can meet, relax, and play."

The designs will be refined according to feedback gathered at the public meeting, as well as comments collected on the City's website through an online survey available until May 6.
 
The final draft design will be presented to City Council for approval in the fall.

For more information, and to fill out the online survey, visit: thunderbay.ca/patersonpark

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Contact: Werner Schwar, Supervisor - Parks & Open Space Planning, 625-2806