Lincoln, ON – (August 18, 2023) – On Thursday, August 17, 2023, the Town of Lincoln along with various community members celebrated the grand re-opening of Ashby Drive Park. Located at 4079 Ashby Drive in Beamsville, the park’s enhancements have been eagerly anticipated and are now complete for all residents and visitors to enjoy. The added park upgrades provide enhanced recreational opportunities and encourage active lifestyles for families and individuals of all ages.
In July 2019, a community visioning session was held at Ashby Park and several hundred residents attended to participate in identifying various elements that they valued and wanted to see as part of the park re-development. The visioning session was followed by a small focus group session in September 2019 to receive feedback from neighbourhood residents on the early concept design for the park. Town Council approved the concept design in October 2019, and the Ashby Drive Park Enhancement Project began construction in the fall of 2020 with completion in the spring of 2023.
The enhancements to Ashby Drive Park align with the Town's strategic priorities for a vibrant and inclusive community, as well as the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan. These improvements address the varying requirements of our community and ensure that the park remains a hub for recreational activities and social gatherings. The funding for this park revitalization came from the development charge contributions and other monies put aside, from the Cherry Heights residential development.
"The enhancements to Ashby Drive Park reflect our dedication to creating a vibrant and inclusive environment where families and individuals of all ages can grow, prosper, and belong,” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “The collaborative efforts of our residents, Town Council, partners, and federal and provincial funding have brought these improvements to life, and I'm proud to see how Ashby Drive Park has been transformed into a space that truly caters to the diverse needs of our community."
The park's improvements also heavily emphasize sustainability, innovation, and accessibility. The inclusion of absorbent landscaping as a green technology solution for stormwater management decreases surface runoff through greater capture of rainfall, mitigating issues like erosion, water loss, and environmental contamination. As Ashby is one of the parks across Lincoln to receive a new rubberized surface, our playgrounds are now becoming more accessible to all.
The transformation of Ashby Drive Park includes a wide array of upgrades:
- A resurfaced basketball court with added fencing, backstops, ball hockey nets, and bench seating.
- An expanded play area featuring a climbing wall, additional swings, a tot playhouse and rubberized surfaces for enhanced accessibility.
- Inviting shade sail seating areas strategically placed at each end of the park.
- A bicycle playground complete with a learn-to-ride loop, obstacle course loop, bicycle parking, and a repair station.
- New outdoor fitness equipment along the existing trail.
- Added seating, garbage and recycling receptacles, walkways, and a new park sign.
- Lush landscaping and tree planting to create a more vibrant and inviting environment.
"The Ashby Drive Park Enhancement Project is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and creating spaces that benefit both our residents and the environment,” said the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer Michael Kirkopoulos. “The integration of absorbent landscaping, the introduction of energy-efficient features, and the focus on accessibility ensures that this park is not only a recreational hub but also a responsible and forward-thinking space. We're grateful to the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario for their support in making these enhancements possible, and we look forward to seeing residents enjoy these new amenities."
The Town also expresses its gratitude to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee for their invaluable input and contribution of the bike repair station, as well as to the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre for their unwavering guidance and support throughout this project.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, it is imperative to highlight the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation across all Town initiatives. Our ongoing commitment to excellence ensures these spaces remain vibrant and cherished for years to come.
For more information regarding the Ashby Drive Park enhancements, please visit our Speak Up Lincoln webpage.
For more information regarding the other park enhancement projects in Lincoln, please visit our Speak Up Lincoln webpage.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230
