​Public welcome to comment on plans for Victoria Park, Kincardine, until June 21

If you want to make your feelings known about the Municipality of Kincardine’s plans for Victoria Park, you need to do it by Friday, June 21.

The municipality has been working with pl.ural Inc. to create a concept design for the park, located in downtown Kincardine, that reflects the needs and desires of the community for this space.

An open house was held June 6, with pl.ural offering the following three concepts for the park.

The municipality states that these are not finalized drawings or plans. “We'll be taking all of the comments gathered June 6, along with the on-line input, compiling them, and developing a hybrid concept that best reflects what we've heard.”

CONCEPT 1 - Meaningful Movement

Characterized by a playful network of pedestrian pathways, this concept positions healthy active living at the forefront. Intended to engage pedestrians passing by, paths encourage movement and act as an inclusive passive recreation facility suited to young families and aging populations, alike.



Legend

• A - Victoria Park Entrance Plaza
• B - Kincardine Centre for the Arts
• C - Event Plaza
• D - Covered Performance Stage
• E - Improved Washroom/Facility Access
• F - Open Programmable Space (Lawn)
• G - Paved Plaza with Water Feature
• H - Accessible Entrances
• I - Crosswalk Markings and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements
• J - Existing Interpretive Elements
• K - Storage Shed
• L - Pedestrian Circulation Enhancement

To the west, a new plaza and paths are organic in form, emulating Lake Huron waves, visible on the horizon. Moving east, symmetrical pathways formalize the main lawn, complementing the Victorian character of adjacent heritage homes. A plaza punctuating the east lawn, complete with in-grade water feature pays homage to the historic fountain which once stood in the park.

With a dedicated performance stage and large plaza, situated toward the bottom of the site to create an
amphitheatre style arrangement, this concept is well-suited to large events and performances.



View west toward new pavilion
 

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CONCEPT 2 - Maximizing Movement

An alternative approach to the first concept, this rendition positions strong perimeter paths adjacent to parking environments, and makes use of softer, swooping interior paths in between.



Legend

• A -Victoria Park Entrance Plaza
• B - Kincardine Centre for the Arts
• C - Event Plaza
• D - Covered Performance Stage
• E - Improved Washroom/Facility Access
• F - Open Programmable Space (Lawn)
• G - Paved Plaza with Water Feature
• H - Accessible Entrances
• I - Crosswalk Markings and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements
• J - Existing Interpretive Elements

To the west, a new plaza and paths are organic in form, emulating Lake Huron waves, visible on the horizon. Moving east, a plaza complete with in-grade water feature pays homage to the historic fountain which once stood in the park, enhancing sight lines from Russell Street.



View southwest through enhanced park entry
 

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CONCEPT 3 - Lakeside Legacy

Inspired by Victorian architectural detailing in the vicinity, this concept is characterized by strong linear pedestrian pathways. Embracing strong sight lines, particularly facing west from Russell Street, a formalized main walk serves as a main thoroughfare terminating at a central focal feature.



Legend

A - Victoria Park Entrance Plaza
B - Kincardine Centre for the Arts
C - Main Walk
D - Covered Performance Stage
E - Cottage Inspired Gardens
F - Formal Garden Beds
G - Open Programmable Space (Lawn)
H - Accessible Entrances
I - Crosswalk Markings and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements
J - Paved Plaza with Water Feature
K - Existing Interpretive Elements
L - Storage Shed
M - Pedestrian Circulation Enhancements

Secondary park entrances are formalized and right-sized, creating small plazas to accept visitors arriving in all directions. The perimeter of the park is also flanked with pedestrian pathways, permitting safe and accessible travel while maximizing lawn space.

With a covered performance stage, situated among mature trees and new garden beds, events and performances can occur in an intimate setting. Though, when not in use, this space offers flexibility and ensures vacant facilities are not a focus.



View west toward new plaza
 

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Comments and feedback

The municipality urges people to share their thoughts about the concepts by 4:30 p.m., June 21, at www.surveymonkey.com/r/victoria-park-kincardine. If you need an alternate format to provide your thoughts, call 519-396-3468 or by E-mail.