Jack Downing Park Revitalization

The Project Has Started

Jack Downing Park Revitalization will begin the week of July 11, 2022. You may have noticed the yellow tap and we recently removed the perennial plants, which will be reused or relocated to other parks within the community. It was not possible to save all the plants, especially the coniferous shrubs i.e., yew, located near or around the mature trees, without damaging or traumatizing the root system of the trees.

New concreate has been poured. 

New Design

The New Design maintains the tree canopy (we will be replacing 1 tree that will be lost - we have been advised it is diseased) and the paving bricks will be removed and replaced with textured, coloured concrete, which will assist persons with visual impairment and increase the parks accessibility.

 The Pavilion will also be accessible and is the focal point of the design. Stay tuned as we revitalize Jack Downing Park!

Ecology and Fiscal Responsibility 

Peennial plants were transplanted 

Have Your Say Shelburne!

(Survey has closed)

We want your input to help improve the park’s accessibility, inclusiveness, sustainability to create a renewed vision of Jack Downing Park. Have your say by clicking the link below, and completing the Jack Downing Park Survey.

Background

History

Jack Downing Park is a 5,735 square foot public park, located in the Downtown core on land between Main St. E. and William Streets, across the from Town Hall and the Grace Tipling Hall.

The space has been a public park since 2001, prior to the space becoming a park, the lands were once a former gas station and vacant property.

A Community Park

Jack Downing Park is named after John Robert “Jack” Downing. Jack Downing was born in 1920 and passed away on January 17, 2014, at the age of 93. Jack advocated that the Town purchase the vacant land in 1998.  He raised approximately $34,000 to purchase the land and raised an additional $52,900 for the park development which included receiving several grants.

Many volunteers also donated their time and labour to the project. The park was officially opened in June 2000 and marked its 20th year anniversary in 2020.

Goals and Outcomes

Future of the Park – About the Revitalization

Over the last few years, the Town of Shelburne has been working closely with the local community to plan the revitalization of the well-used and well-worn park. The 2019 Community Improvement Plan (CIP) which was developed through extensive Community engagement, recognizes the importance of Jack Downing Park in BIG MOVE #8 - Redesign Jack Downey Park to become the community’s ‘living room’.  A draft park design concept was created as part of the CIP project for Jack Downing Park. That concept design included incorporating part of the William Street parking lot as new park space, which would allow the park to expand northward for events.

Upgrades to this small area will enhance the parks use, appearance and vibrancy of the downtown.

Council’s commitment to the revitalization of the park is outlined in Council’s Strategic Priorities 3 Goals - Sustainable, Engaged and Livable.

T10 Improve and enhance parks and recreation services

T11 Improve community connections

T12 Support and celebrate arts and culture

Reports

CAO 2021-04 regarding Jack Downing Park Project
Planning P2021-38 Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Work Plan Overview

What to Expect? 

Timeline

• The removal of the fencing and gazebo mark the beginning of the revitalization efforts
• A new gazebo is anticipated to be installed for late Spring / early Summer and the Town of Shelburne will be engaging with the community as we move through the redesign of the park. The park is still open for public use. The removal site has been hazarded off for the public’s safety. Please take extra care and caution around this area
• Landscape Design – Shelburne Town staff will be working with GSP the Towns Planning consultants to develop a comprehensive accessible landscape design
• Public consultation – as part of the design process the community will be we are going to gather input, and ideas about the designs which will form the basis for the final version of the Jack Downing Park design
• Review comments and incorporate changes into design based on Community engagement
• Jack Downing Park construction begins
• Construction updates – ‘Pictures tell a thousand words’
• Jack Downing Revitalization presentation to Council
• Community open house
• Jack Downing Park is anticipated to open for public use late September, 2022

FAQ