The federal government has given the city of Kitchener a $750,000 grant to build state-of-the-art stormwater management features into the new RBJ Schlegel Park being created in the southwestern portion of the community.
The grant was provided as part of the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
“RBJ Schlegel Park will provide many recreational facilities and play areas for Kitchener residents,” Kitchener South – Hespeler MP Marwan Tabbara said in a statement. “When it opens next year, I expect it will include multiple sports fields, a children’s playground and splash pad.”
Highlights of the stormwater management include rain gardens in the parking areas, infiltration galleries under the artificial turf playing fields, bioswales and oil/grit separators to remove debris and treat road run-off, and a rock infiltration trench located under a dry retention pond.
Kitchener Mayor Barry Vrbanovic is hoping the environmental sustainability of the new park will help inspire others to follow in the city’s footsteps.
“In addition to adding to the park’s amenities, showcasing the environmental benefits of low impact development (LID) at RBJ Schlegel Park will hopefully inspire other businesses and organizations to include similar LID infrastructure at their locations so that together, we can protect our community against the impacts of climate change,” he said in a statement.
According to the city’s website, the first phase of the park is set to open in the fall of 2019 and will feature a pair of soccer fields with artificial turf, a cricket pitch and a multi-use field which could be used for ultimate Frisbee and other activities.
Plans for Phase 2, which will open in 2021, include courts for volleyball, basketball and tennis as well as washrooms.