The Town of Lincoln announced that the long-awaited grand re-opening of Ashby Drive Park took place on Thursday, August 17, 2023. Situated at 4079 Ashby Drive in Beamsville, the enhanced park is now ready for residents and visitors to enjoy. These upgrades provide exciting new recreational opportunities for families and individuals of all ages, promoting active and healthy lifestyles.
In July 2019, Lincoln Ontario embarked on a journey with our community to envision the future of Ashby Park. Hundreds of residents participated in this visioning session, sharing their ideas and dreams for the park’s redevelopment. Following this, a focus group in September 2019 gathered valuable feedback from local residents about the park’s early concept design. The concept design was approved by Town Council in October 2019, and the Ashby Drive Park Enhancement Project broke ground in the fall of 2020, reaching completion in the spring of 2023.
These park enhancements align with the Town’s strategic priorities for a vibrant and inclusive community, as well as their Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan. The project was made possible through funding from development charge contributions and funds reserved from the Cherry Heights residential development.
Mayor Sandra Easton shared her thoughts, saying, “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. 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.”
Sustainability, innovation, and accessibility were key principles guiding this transformation. The park now boasts absorbent landscaping to manage stormwater effectively and a new rubberized surface, making playgrounds more accessible for all.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect at the new Ashby Drive Park:
- 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 Michael Kirkopoulos, the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer. “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 of Lincoln also extended their gratitude to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee for their input and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre for their guidance and support throughout this project.
As Lincoln Ontario celebrates this significant milestone, it is imperative to highlight the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation across all Town initiatives. Their ongoing commitment to excellence ensures these spaces remain vibrant and cherished for years to come.
For more information about the Ashby Drive Park enhancements, please visit https://speakuplincoln.ca/ashby-drive-park-enhancements.
For updates on other park enhancement projects in Lincoln, please visit our https://speakuplincoln.ca/park-enhancements.
