Dawson Park and Kinnaird Ravine Master Plan

Project Timeline

Fall 2017

Phase 4: Preferred Concept Option

Public engagement on the proposed final concept for the Dawson Park and Kinnaird Ravine Master Plan was completed in November 2017 to fine-tune the program and its features. The preferred concept was shaped by public input and ideas shared in earlier project phases to reflect a shared  vision and identity for the park.

Open House Boards

Spring 2017

Phase 3: Concept Options

In May 2017, the City hosted public engagement activities that focused on refining the park vision and identity, as well as getting feedback on two distinct concepts for the park. Activities included an open house on May 30, stakeholder meetings, an online survey, and an online mapping tool. The feedback collected from this phase will be used to develop a final vision statement for the park and a preferred concept that will be presented in Phase 4 in fall 2017.

Phase 3 Reports

• What we Heard Report
• What you Said Report
• Display Boards and Activities

Concept Options Interim Report

Read the Phase 3: Concept Options Interim Report to find out more about the process for developing the two concept options for Dawson Park and Kinnaird Ravine. This report provides a detailed description of each concept option and the factors that influenced the concept development process. It highlights the variation for each concept in the vision statement, program and activities, environmental sensitivities and maintenance requirements.

Winter 2017

Phase 2: Vision, Principles and Identity (Completed)

In January 2017 the City hosted engagement activities which focused on creating a vision and identity for the park and selecting programs and activities. These included an open house on January 17, stakeholder meetings, an online survey and online mapping tool.

As part of Phase 2, an Environmental Sensitivities Report was completed to gain a holistic understanding of the park site and its ecological features. The report findings will be considered along with public feedback and City priorities to develop concept design options for Phase 3.

Phase 2 Reports

• What We Heard Report
• What You Said
• Display Boards and Activities

August - September 2016

Phase 1: Project Introduction, Inventory and Analysis of What We Heard (Completed)

The City undertook a detailed inventory and site analysis of the park, which included defining the project scope and boundaries, existing features, systems, and functions. Phase 1 engagement included an open house, online mapping tool, intercept surveys and stakeholder meetings.

Phase 1 Reports

The City wanted to gain an understanding about Dawson Park and Kinnaird Ravine, including how the public currently uses the park, why it is important and what they would like to see in the future.

• What We Heard
• What You Said
• Display Boards

Spring/Summer 2016

Undertake research, inventory and assessment of existing site conditions and amenities, as well as environmental opportunities and constraints.

Project Overview

Concept

The last comprehensive planning for Dawson Park was undertaken in the 1970s through the development of the Capital City Recreation Park Concept Plan. Most of the infrastructure that exists in Dawson Park is a legacy of that plan including a parking lot, hiking and biking trails, rest area with toilets, benches and preserved natural area.

While Dawson Park has not seen significant change since the 1970s, the surrounding communities, recreation demands and the city certainly has. The growing communities of Cromdale and Boyle Street, while visually linked to the park remain physically disconnected. Social issues within the park pose environmental impacts and safety concerns for area residents and park users. Noxious and invasive plant species present in the park threaten the area's natural biodiversity. The master plan provides a starting point to investigate these and other issues, identify solutions and partnerships and establish a framework for moving forward.

Community consultation involving the surrounding neighbourhoods, stakeholders and city-wide residents begun in 2016 and will continue throughout the planning process. Early consultation will help to craft a driving vision for Dawson Park and Kinnaird Ravine and to establish the guiding principles that will form the basis for undertaking planning work and building a plan for the park. The end goal is to create a lasting legacy for Dawson Park that reflects the needs of today while enhancing and preserving the ecological integrity of Dawson Park as part of Edmonton’s river valley park system for generations to come.

Engagement Strategy

The project will include four phases of public engagement to help the City develop a master plan that will respond to community needs and City priorities. Each phase will include a public open house, online engagement and internal and external stakeholder sessions:

Design and Build Phases

Dependent on Council approval and funding. Further public consultation will take place during this phase.

Phase 4: Preferred Concept Design - Fall 2017

The City presented a final draft of the park concept design that integrates the priorities and feedback from Phase 3. The public had the opportunity to provide feedback and help fine-tune the program and design.

The first phases of the implementation of the Master Plan will be submitted to City Council for funding as part of the 2019-22 budget cycle.

Phase 3: Concept Design Options - May 2017

The City looked for feedback on two concept design options including variations on proposed activities, features and design elements for the park. The public and stakeholders had the opportunity to help prioritize elements and choose preferred options.

Phase 2: Vision, Principles and Identity - January 2017

This was your second opportunity to get involved and shape the vision and guiding principles for the park. The City shared the opportunities and constraints for the site and wanted your input to prioritize elements of the vision to inform the next phase, concept design options.

Phase 1: Project Introduction, Inventory and Analysis - August - September 2016

This was the first opportunity to join the conversation about the park. In this phase, the City looked for initial feedback about the park, including what you like about the park, why it is important to you and what you want to see in the future. The results were shared in a What We Heard report for the inventory and site analysis of the park, such as project scope and boundaries, existing feature, systems and functions of the park.