Master parks plan takes shape

Paris Coun. Steve Howes takes advantage of the outdoor ping pong table during the 2022 grand opening of Dawdy Park, one of several amenities, alongside pickleball courts, play equipment, basketball courts and open recreation space, highlighted in the County’s Parks Master Plan as part of the future of active, accessible community parks.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A long-range plan guiding the future of parks, trails and outdoor recreation across the County of Brant is now taking shape, with a draft Parks Master Plan highlighting how the system will evolve over the next 15 years.

The plan, presented to the public during a recent open house in Paris, is supported by an extensive background study examining current park assets, usage trends and future needs as the community continues to grow.

At its core, the plan is designed to ensure parks remain “vibrant, accessible, and sustainable for generations to come,” while identifying opportunities for expansion, upgrades and better connectivity across the County’s park system. 

With Paris accounting for the majority of community input, about 66 per cent of survey respondents, the plan places significant emphasis on meeting the needs of a growing and diverse population. 

The background study shows strong demand from families, youth and active adults, with high participation in activities such as walking, cycling and outdoor recreation. Residents consistently identified trails, natural spaces and accessible parks as top priorities.

As development continues in and around Paris, the plan calls for new parkland within expanding neighbourhoods, improved walkability and access to nearby green space and better connections between parks, trails and residential areas

A key focus is ensuring that new growth areas are supported by adequate parkland and that residents can easily reach outdoor spaces by foot or bike.

One of the most consistent themes throughout the background study is the need for expanded and better-connected trail systems.

Residents across all age groups expressed strong support for multi-use trails for walking, cycling and recreation, while also calling for improved maintenance and additional amenities along those routes. 

The plan prioritizes:

Expanding trail networks and closing gaps between communities

Improving signage and wayfinding

Enhancing accessibility for users of all abilities

Increasing connections to natural areas and river corridors

For Paris, that could mean stronger links between existing trail systems, neighbourhood parks and key destinations along the Grand River.

While recreation amenities remain important, the plan also underscores the need to protect natural areas and enhance environmental sustainability.

The background study highlights strong public support for tree planting, naturalization and green initiatives, with nearly 60 per cent of respondents rating increased tree canopy as a high priority. 

Long-term environmental goals tied to the plan include increasing tree canopy coverage to at least 30 per cent across County lands, expanding naturalized areas and reducing maintenance-intensive spaces and supporting climate resilience through green infrastructure

The County’s Climate Action Plan, which aligns with the Parks Master Plan, also sets targets to plant tens of thousands of trees and reduce emissions from municipal operations over time. 

Improving amenities and accessibility

Beyond expansion, the plan identifies a need to upgrade existing parks to meet modern standards and community expectations.

Residents pointed to priorities such as better maintenance and lighting, more inclusive and accessible playground equipment, additional seating, shade structures and washrooms and expanded dog-friendly amenities

The County is also working to align park design with updated accessibility standards, including improved pathways, inclusive play features and barrier-free facilities.

County officials are now encouraging residents to review the draft plan and provide feedback online before it is finalized and presented to council.

Residents can review the full draft plan and background materials and share their input through the County’s EngageBrant platform until April 10.