Kiwanis parking lot: An update and likely resolution to this petition

Hello folks, I am overdue to update this petition. My apologies for the delay.

In October, I reached out to the city (specifically the Kitchener Director of Parks, and the Kitchener Parks Engagement Liaison) to formally ask for more parking to be opened over the winter. A summary of the director's reply: 

1. the other parking is gravel, and the snow-removal equipment can't handle that, or put down salt there. So they can't do anything this year.
2. Kiwanis will be reviewed in a master planning process in 3-4 years that he anticipates will include more year-round parking.
3. The city currently has a set of surveys closing January 13 2023, about how we want to use parks. I encourage people to look at these and possibly give your feedback there! https://www.engagewr.ca/placesandspaces/

While not the quick answer we were hoping for, I think this is a stopping point on this petition. (I've copied Niall's full reply below).

Meanwhile, I have learned of street parking on Eaglecrest Street and there is another park entrance near 106 Eaglecrest St, which is no further distance to the leash-free dog park. On the bright side, I haven't had to use it yet, because we have had better luck this year than last year finding times to go that aren't too busy at the regular parking lot. 

I wish everyone a safe and healthy 2023, with lots of outdoor time in our city and region's parks!

Best,

Daniel

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Oct 28, 2022

Good afternoon Daniel,

 

Thank you for reaching out and connecting. Most parks across the City of Kitchener do not provide parking, and where there is parking, this is typically limited and often involves street side parking where permitted. We have heard, and do understand, that the pressures at Kiwanis during the off season can be challenging.

 

Unfortunately, Kiwanis is not set up for parking to be accessible in the winter.

 

In order for parking to be maintained in the winter we need to be able to provide a winter service level to the parking areas, this involve plowing for snow and salting for ice. This can only occur in areas where there is an asphalt or concrete parking area or surface. Gravel surfaces are not suitable for snow removal equipment to operate on and we cannot apply salt in these areas, especially within such close proximity of the river.

 

The parking lot that is inside the gates is a gravel lot. The roadways to the lower section, which again, lead to predominantly unpaved parking areas are steep and challenging to maintain ice free. We have also had extensive experience of cars not remaining in designated parking areas and roadways and driving into the park, which in wetter weather causes significant damage to the park. This is managed in the summer when the pool is open, and, the ground is able to sustain such use.

 

As a result, we prevent vehicles from accessing the lower areas and provide access to the parking which can, and is maintained, near the neighbourhood rink.

 

We do appreciate that this parking is limited. Kiwanis is due to be reviewed as part of a master planning process in coming years (likely 3 – 4 years out) and there is a capital budget associated with this work to allow for reinvestments into the park reflecting the findings of that master planning process. I anticipate that parking and years round access to parking, will be a key outcome of that plan. However, in the meantime we are unable to maintain additional parking at Kiwanis and there are no plans to open the access this coming winter.

 

I appreciate that this is not the news you hoped to hear, but we are aware of this pressure, but are unable to address at this time.

 

Many thanks, Niall

Niall Lobley (Pronouns: him/he/his)

Director, Parks & Cemeteries | Infrastructure Services | City of Kitchener
519-741-2600 x 4518 | Cell 519-505-4958 | niall.lobley@kitchener.ca

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