The Parks Renaissance Strategy builds on the work
completed for Shared Places Our Spaces with a focus
on the renewal of parks in older communities. The
vision statement for Markham’s public realm is, “a
place for all that is engaging, sustaining and beautiful”. As elements of the public realm, this simple but
inspiring Vision statement can apply equally to the
Parks Renaissance Strategy.

As Markham’s population increases, the parks
and open space system must continue to meet
the social and recreational needs of both
existing and new residents. Active living, fitness and
organized sports will need to be supported together
with passive recreation, nature appreciation and quiet
enjoyment. Opportunities to introduce new large
parks may be limited in areas of intensification and
there will be pressure on the existing parks, open
spaces and trails to respond to a broader range of user
demands.
Well-designed parks and open spaces invite use by
residents, project a strong positive image for a neighbourhood and the City as a whole, and encourage private investment. To be consistent with the high standard of quality reflected in Markham’s newer parks,
the Parks Renaissance Strategy should strive for the
same quality of design and visual appeal in its rejuvenation of older parks. The unique cultural identity and
shifting demographics of neighbourhoods can also
be supported and expressed through the design of
parks and public spaces. These opportunities should
be explored with the local community. Parks should
provide a palette of programs and activities that are
appropriate to the site, the neighbourhood and their
role within the overall parks system. In addition to
supporting active and passive recreation, parks and
open spaces accommodate opportunities for natural
areas and habitats, which significantly contribute to
the ecological and environmental health of the urban
tree canopy.
The planning and design for parks included in the
Parks Renaissance Strategy must consider sustainability of the infrastructure. The design should consider
operational costs and implications as well as capital
costs. Opportunities to align with other projects and
funding sources such as the asset replacement program will increase the impact of the project and the
value of the financial investment.
From the vision and objectives for Markham’s parks
and public spaces established in Shared Places Our
Spaces, and the policies of the City’s strategic plans, a
number of key themes emerge that can serve as guiding principles for projects to be undertaken through
the Parks Renaissance Strategy.