Town provides update on Milt Dunnell Field revitalization project

When it comes to proposed changes to Milt Dunnell Field, nothing is set in stone.

That’s what the Town of St. Marys is telling residents following a lively public engagement campaign about plans to revitalize the popular park. The Town recently conducted a survey about the project that received over 1,300 responses, a new record for the municipality.

The survey included questions about two proposed design concepts for the park. The concepts were developed by a landscape architect following consultation with local user groups. The concepts were included to provide insight into preferred amenities for a future design for the park; they were not intended to be taken as the only options for layout and design. 

“The concepts are just that – concepts. They were included in the survey to generate discussion and help us determine the community’s wants and needs,” says André Morin, Director of Corporate Services. “Neither concept should be considered ‘final’ at this stage.”

Town staff are now consolidating the feedback that was received through the survey, emails, phone calls and other sources. The data will be presented to Council at its Strategic Priorities Committee meeting on July 18, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. During that meeting, Council will continue its discussion about the long-term vision for the park and what further steps should be taken to develop a master plan for the site.

Part of Council’s discussion will be focused on the ring road at Milt Dunnell Field. The two concepts provided in the survey suggest that part of the ring road be used for pedestrian traffic only. The concepts also include a two-way road that would allow cars in and out of the park, with ample parking. Potential changes to the ring road have generated a considerable amount of feedback from the community.  

“We appreciate the time people have taken to share their thoughts, particularly with respect to the ring road,” says Morin. “We want residents to know that we’re listening and that their feedback will be considered as we develop the final vision for the park.”

Residents who missed the opportunity to complete the survey or have additional input to provide are encouraged to email amorin@town.stmarys.on.ca or deliver written comments to the Municipal Operations Centre (408 James St. S) prior to the July 18 meeting. The public can also view the meeting in person or virtually on the Town’s YouTube channel.

In the meantime, staff are working to make short-term enhancements to the park using grant funding that expires March 31, 2024. These could include upgrades to the washrooms and lawn bowling building, playground accessibility upgrades, improvements to support the Farmers’ Market, and the addition of a soccer field.

For more information about the Milt Dunnell Field Revitalization Project, visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/miltdunnell. 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