Construction beginning at William Connell City-Wide Park

HAMILTON, ON - May 3, 2017 -  Later this week, work will begin on the transformation of a 20-hectare (49-acre) piece of land located on West 5th Street between Stone Church Road W and Rymal Road W. This former agricultural land is currently undeveloped space that will become a large city-wide park, known as William Connell City-Wide Park.

The park will ultimately be home to a creative play structure, splash pad, sun shelter, tennis courts, multi-purpose court, a lit senior soccer field, a lit football field, pathways, nature trails, internal road way system, parking lots and a pavilion with washrooms. It will also incorporate a large storm water management facility that is required to manage storm water for the park and surrounding areas. The facility will be fully integrated in the park’s design and will allow for future development in the nearby neighbourhoods.

The first stages of construction will include the removal of a large number of existing trees to make space for the new amenities and sports fields, and allow crews to complete the appropriate grading needed to direct surface water to the storm water management facility.

A comprehensive replanting strategy will see the planting of 454 trees (299 shade trees, 69 ornamental trees and 86 coniferous trees). Eighty-five per cent of these will be native species.

The City expects phase one of the construction at William Connell City-Wide Park to be complete by December 2017, weather permitting.  Phase two will commence in 2018 and will include the construction of a field house with washrooms, change rooms and concession area.

City-wide parks are meant to appeal to those with widely varying needs and interests, and service residents and visitors from Hamilton and surrounding areas.

“When it’s complete, William Connell City-Wide Park will have something for everyone. It will be a welcoming place for people from communities across this great city to visit and take in a sports game, go on a hike, play in the splash pad, or even just relax and enjoy the beautiful nature in Hamilton.” Mayor Fred Eisenberger, City of Hamilton