Every year, we update our parks, trails and natural areas. We’re also building new parks for you to enjoy. Subscribe to this page to get updates on our park projects.
On this page:
- Gaukel Pocket Park
- Places and Spaces
- RBJ Schlegel Park
- Prospect Park
- Victoria Park Master Plan
- Westchester Park
- Westwood Park phase two
- Westheights Park Natural Area restoration
Gaukel Pocket Park
We are building a brand new parkette in downtown Kitchener in the spring of 2024. Located on Gaukel Street between Halls Lane and Charles Street, the Gaukel Pocket Park will be a new place to connect in the heart of downtown, with a distinctive climbing structure, benches and planters.
Construction will start Thursday, April 25 and is targeted to be complete in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.
Gaukel Street between King Street and Halls Lane will be closed on April 25 and again from April 29 to May 1 for construction work.
Places and Spaces
Staff are continuing to refresh the parks strategic plan through the development of Places and Spaces.
The first part (Spaces) was approved by Council on August 22, 2022, along with an updated park dedication bylaw.
Engagement continues for Places which will go to city council in early 2024 for approval. Learn more on how to get involved, and the current topic of engagement, at Engage Kitchener.
RBJ Schlegel Park
One of Kitchener’s newest parks, RBJ Schlegel opened to the public in 2020 after many years of planning and construction.
Phase 2 of the park works will see the former Farmhouse residence restored and re-purposed as a three-season washroom and change facility and a wide range of court amenities (basketball, pickleball and tennis) constructed. In addition, a maintenance building will be built on site.
Court amenities are now open to the public with periodic closures to complete final coloured coatings. The washroom continues its construction beyond its anticipated opening. Temporary washrooms will continue to be available on site in the interim. Existing amenities will be open during construction of Phase 2.
Expected completion: washroom opening spring 2024
Prospect Park
We're excited to add new park amenities and stormwater management at Prospect Park that meet the needs of visitors and improve the sustainability of the park. We expect that further community engagement will take place throughout 2024 to inform the design.
Learn more about this project on Engage Kitchener.
Victoria Park Master Plan
We’re updating the Victoria Park Master Plan, the guiding document for public and city priorities within Victoria Park. We’ll review the park's existing conditions and amenities, analyze how it is being used and learn how it can better support the community in the future. This will help us develop a 10-year plan for improving, maintaining and operating the park.
As part of our analysis, we’re installing visual sensors throughout the park to help us learn how the park is being used and how we can improve the park to serve you better. The sensors use vision-based technology to capture count, speed and movement data for park users. The system does not collect personal identifying information and does not store video files.
Learn more on our Engage page.
Westchester Park
In collaboration with the local community association and the #LoveMyHood program, we're installing a new basketball court at Westchester Park. The work is expected to take place in spring 2024.
Westwood Park
The final phase of construction at Westwood Park was completed summer 2024. A construction timelapse is available below.
Westheights Park Natural Area restoration
We're developing a plan for the ecological management, restoration, and stewardship of the Westheights Park Natural Area (Westheights Park). Learn more and get involved on Engage Kitchener.