Town Council outlines priorities for Milt Dunnell Field revitalization

Ring road to remain in future plans for park

After a careful review of public feedback and staff recommendations, St. Marys Town Council has made several decisions about the future of Milt Dunnell Field. Council met on Tuesday, July 18 to consider short and long-term plans for improving the park.

The meeting followed a lively public engagement period that saw over 1,300 people share input about proposed changes to the park. The results of an online survey and other correspondence were provided to Council prior to the meeting.

During the meeting, Council instructed staff to explore immediate improvements to the park using grant funding that expires in 2024. These changes could include improvements to park washrooms, an accessible dock, paving for the Farmers’ Market, repairs to the lawn bowling pitch, accessible playground upgrades, additional trees, and enhanced conservation efforts.

Council also discussed the vision for a future master plan for the park. They directed staff to develop revised design concepts for the space that retain the ring road and include shoreline erosion protection, pedestrian walkways and trails, an increased tree canopy, enhanced lighting, additional seating, picnic, and river viewing areas, an upgraded pavilion, and enhanced event space.

Town staff will now begin to implement Council’s direction, though both the short and long-term changes will require further reports and approvals. Work on the immediate improvements is expected to start in the fall. The revised design concepts for the future master plan will be developed over the next few months and will be presented to Council and the public for further feedback later this year.

Residents are encouraged to follow the Town on Facebook (www.facebook.com/stmarysontario) or subscribe to the project webpage (www.discoverstmarys.ca/miltdunnell) for future updates. Information will also be shared with local media for those who do not have access to the Internet. Questions about the project can be directed to André Morin, Director of Corporate Services at 519-284-2340, ext. 217 or amorin@town.stmarys.on.ca

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For media inquiries:
Brett O’Reilly, Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca