In 2009, the City received funding from Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC), a federal stimulus funding program to enhance Mountainside Park and the outdoor pool. Combined with the city’s share, the total funding for this initiative is $2.5 million (with two-thirds coming from RInC). The funding requirement for th is program required the completion of construction works by March 2011.

The following public open houses and meetings have been held to provide public information and to get input on the projects:

• June 8^th 2009 – Preliminary masterplan concepts
• November 3^rd 2009 – Conceptual design plans for Park/Woodlot Improvements
• March 30^th 2010 – Final detail design plans for Park/Woodlot Improvements
• June 15^th 2010 – Conceptual design plans for Pool Improvements and future ice arena/pool house changes

The improvements include the following:

Park/Woodlot Improvements

·         Park features in the east side of the park

o   Removal of the old baseball infrastructure

o   Playground

o   Seating area

o   Paved pathway system

o   Linkages to forest trails

o   Small parking area (maximum 5 spots)

o   Tree planting

o   Multi-use court with basketball and skate elements

o   Pedestrian entries

·         Forest management and forest trail improvements

·         Mount Royal Ave. and Moss Glen Rd. pedestrian entrance enhancements

·         Parking lot screening on the west side of the park

 

Pool Improvements

·         Outdoor pool enhancements including new water play areas, furniture and shade structures

Please click below to view the plans for the park and pool.

• Mountainside Park Detailed Plan (4.5 MB PDF)
• Mountainside Park Overall Plan (5 MB PDF)
• Mountainside Pool Enhancements Plan

The Park/Woodlot work will commence in June 2010. The Pool Improvements work is anticipated to commence in September 2010. All construction work is to be completed by March 2011.

The City continues to investigate functional design options for the renovation and enhancement of the arena and pool in accordance with Council’s direction for these assets in December 2009 (see below). Funding is earmarked in the City’s Capital Budget for the years 2011-2013 to undertake detailed design and construction. Schematic design concepts were presented at a public open house on June 15, 2010.  Please click below to view the design concepts.

• Mountainside Facility Renovation Concepts
• Mountainside Site Plan Concept

The renonvation project is in the preliminary investigation phase.  As the project progresses into the detailed design phase (2011-2012), the design will likely evolve and there will be further opportunity for community input.  We would be glad to take your comments on the above preliminary concepts.  Please send your comments to Rob Axiak at axiakr@burlington.ca.

In 2009, as part of the City’s broader Parks and Recreation Master Planning Study, the City undertook a special study looking at redevelopment and improvement options for the Mountainside Arena and Pool. The study focused primarily on the future of the arena and additional amenities that would enhance recreational services and opportunities within the park.

Numerous options were explored including basic renewal of the facilities, expansion of the arena to include other recreational amenities, re-adaptive use of the arena, decommissioning of the arena and development of other community facilities and amenities. A number of open houses were hosted by the City and the ward Councillor.  The study concluded that the best direction would be to undertake a comprehensive revitalization of the arena including expansion of very tight and outdated dressing rooms, washrooms, lobbies and spectator areas, and the addition of 2 multi-purpose rooms to accommodate a wide range of programs and community uses. The pool would also be enhanced to include more modern features and amenities. Various preliminary concepts were developed to demonstrate how these improvements may be undertaken. This direction was widely supported by local area residents as well as major community organizations using the arena.

Council approved the strategic direction for the Mountainside Arena and Pool facilities in December 2009. Accordingly, funding has been earmarked in the City’s Capital Budget and Forecast in 2011-2012 for detailed design and 2013 for construction. The Council direction is premised on evidence of sufficient ice demand to warrant the investment on the arena, considering that two new ice pads are being added to the City’s inventory in the Fall 2010. Please see the links below for relevant reports, presentations and Council resolutions.