All about that water: Water access at community parks star of Georgina's waterfront plan

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 15, 2023

Georgina is working to create a vision that’s exciting and inviting for its vast waterfront.

And, of course, the water is the star of the show.

Recently, The Planning Partnership -- consultant hired to complete the town’s waterfront park master plan -- presented the second phase of the three-part master plan.

The first phase of the master plan created a vision for the town’s larger destination beach parks.

The second instalment focused on smaller waterfront parks: three destination parks, eight community parks and 27 publicly-owned road ends and lakefront parcels.

The final phase will examine future economic development opportunities, sustainable management, business partnerships and parking strategies as well as provide an implementation plan.

North Gwillimbury Park, Willow Wharf Park and ClearWater Farm and the Pefferlaw Dam Conservation Area are poised as future destination parks.

 

Each park plan includes enhanced trails, pedestrian-friendly designs, permanent washrooms and more parking.

NORTH GWILLIMBURY PARK:

Location: 4.5-hectare area at the corner of Lake Drive North and Metro Road North.

Concept: Integrate the park with the lake and the Lake Simcoe Conservation Preserve, the former Maple Leaf Estates property.

Proposal: Redirect Lake Drive North to create one large park; transform roadway into a multi-use pathway; and add steps and a seating platform to the lake.

WILLOW WHARF AND CLEARWATER FARM:

Location: Willow Wharf Park is about 0.23 hectares located at the end of Kennedy Road with a 66-metre-long pier. The Ontario Water Centre, which includes ClearWater Farm, leases 9 hectares of the 12.5-hectare town-owned parcel on Lake Drive East.

Concept: Integrate both properties to create a large ecological waterfront park.

Proposal: Shift Lake Drive East and remove on-site parking at Willow Wharf to create a large beach area; establish a network of boardwalks, sidewalks and trails connecting both properties from Kennedy Road and from Lake Drive East; create a shoreline discovery area and a children’s discovery area; and reincorporate town-owned lands that were previously dedicated for the future GTTI Skilled Trades Institute.

PEFFERLAW DAM CONSERVATION AREA:

Location: 0.76 hectare park with lands on both sides of Pefferlaw Road.

Concept: Enhance access to the water’s edge.

Proposal: Enhance trails and walkways throughout the park and along the river edge; replace the truss bridge; and add kayak and canoe launches.

The plan also includes pedestrian-friendly visions for eight community parks as well as the Maskinonge River.

In the plan, there’s a place and space for all things -- swimming, fishing, boating, wind skiing and snowmobiling.

The following parks were explored: Adeline Park, Young’s Harbour Park, Glenwood Beach Park, Claredon Beach Park, Rayners Park, Virginia Wharf, Riverview Park and Corner Park.

Many of the parks need general upgrades such as reconfigured parking, shoreline enhancements, swimming platforms, more trees for shade, permanent washrooms, picnic benches, waterside seating and playgrounds.

Focus for the Maskinonge River area is to provide and maintain waterfront green space along the river as it flows through a residential and commercial area.

When it comes to the 27 publicly-owned road ends and lakefront parcels the plan recommends a more consistent approach with clear "public access" signage, fencing, pathways, limited parking and benches.

For more information, visit georgina.ca.