Agenda - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 20240516Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Thursday, May 16, 2024
Time:7 p.m.
Location:Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel.
To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation.
Pages
1.Call to Order
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January
18, 2024
1
That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of January 18, 2024, be received for information.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager of Parks and Fleet; Re: Town Park
Accessible Playground Update
5
That the memorandum regarding Town Park Accessible
Playground Update be received; and
1.
That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Town Park Accessible Playground Update be received
and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
2.
8.Informational Items
8.1 Memorandum from Manager, Recreation; Re: Recreation Needs
Assessment for Persons with Disabilities - What We Heard
9
That the memorandum regarding Recreation Needs Assessment
for Persons with Disabilities – What We Heard be received for
information.
1.
9.New Business
10.Adjournment
Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, January 18, 2024
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Ron Weese (Chair)
Irene Clement*
Michelle Dakin (Vice Chair)
Jessie Fraser*
Shaheen Moledina*
Corrina Tai*
Members Absent: Adrian Martin
Other Attendees: Michelle Johnson, Collections and Exhibitions Coordinator
Phillip Rose, Manager of Cultural Services
Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
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Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 18, 2024 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Michelle Dakin
Seconded by Irene Clement
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of December
21, 2023
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Shaheen Moledina
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
of December 21, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Collections and Exhibitions Coordinator; Re: Community
Reflection Space
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and a visual review of the
four proposed community reflection space locations for the Committee’s
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Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 18, 2024 3
consideration. It was noted that the Committee will have an opportunity to
provide input on the design features of the space later in the year.
The Committee and staff discussed the merits and limitations of the
proposed locations, as well as the public consultation process and
outreach, including risk assessment, emergency services input, and
potential user groups and uses of the space. The Committee expressed
support for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Park location.
Moved by Jessie Fraser
Seconded by Michelle Dakin
1. That the memorandum regarding Community Reflection Space be
received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Community Reflection Space be received and referred to
staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
8.1 Memorandum from Manager, Recreation; Re: Recreation Needs
Assessment for Persons with Disabilities - Follow-up
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum noting the online survey is
now available on the Town’s Engage Aurora platform until February 14,
2024, to provide input on the Recreation Needs Assessment for Persons
with Disabilities, as well as opportunities to attend a virtual or in-person
focus group; visit engageaurora.ca/RNA for more information. Committee
members were encouraged to share this information with their contacts.
Moved by Jessie Fraser
Seconded by Shaheen Moledina
1. That the memorandum regarding Recreation Needs Assessment for
Persons with Disabilities - Follow-up be received for information.
Carried
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Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 18, 2024 4
9. New Business
The Committee inquired about the Town’s parkland acquisition process and the
Chair provided a response.
The Chair advised that member David Gren has resigned from the Committee;
therefore, the Town is now recruiting to fill this vacancy for the remainder of the
term and applications will be received until February 11, 2024.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Shaheen Moledina
Seconded by Jessie Fraser
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Carried
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100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Operational Services
Re: Town Park Accessible Playground Update
To: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
From: Matthew Volpintesta, Manager of Parks and Fleet
Date: May 16, 2024
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Town Park Accessible Playground Update be
received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments regarding Town Park
Accessible Playground Update be received and referred to staff for consideration and
further action as appropriate.
Background
Identified in the 2024 Capital Budget, as part of recommendations from Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Masterplan (PRMP), improvements to the playground at Town
Park are slated to be completed later this year. The goal of this improvement project is
to create a new and fully accessible playground space, with features that provide
opportunities for both junior and senior children aged 18 months to 12 years to play
within an intentionally designed space that incorporates both users and caregivers’
accessibility needs. Guided by the PRMP, this upgraded playground will serve as one of
four accessible playgrounds, as recommended in each quadrant of the Town. Since
January 2024, we have been progressing with the design and planning of the
playground upgrades, conducting online engagement opportunities through Engage
Aurora, an in-person Public Information Centre on February 7, as well as a posted
display at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex (SARC). Additionally, Town staff
heard comments and considerations from residents and park users who requested a
follow-up.
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Town Park Accessible Playground Update
May 16, 2024 Page 2 of 2
Next Steps
After collecting feedback from the engagement opportunities described above, our park
development team has incorporated the feedback received and is now finalizing the
design ahead of preparing to tender out the manufacturing of required materials.
As part of the improvements, the following features are planned to be included in the
final design provided that any additional budget is approved by Council and no other
unexpected issues arise.
Key components:
A junior and senior child combination play structure with included accessible
ramps for users and child supervisors.
A full swing set including junior and senior child options with accessible swing
seat.
Two double side-by-side slides for junior and senior children accompanied by a
child supervisor.
Interactive play board feature (touch and turn features).
Two spinners, one flush grade for wheelchairs and another with accessible
components.
Accessible roller slider.
Flush rubber surfacing.
Direct connection from asphalt to junior and senior combination play structure.
Next steps will include finalizing design and project costing, with a report back to
Committee of the Whole in June. Once approved, we will go out for tender to procure
the supplied equipment. Depending on lead time to manufacture the specialized
equipment, construction is slated for later in 2024 to be fully operational for beginning
of 2025. Once design is finalized, staff will provide a rendering and post to the Engage
Aurora website.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Overhead playground concept
Attachment 2 – Elevation playground concept
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Attachment 1Page 7 of 11
Attachment 2Page 8 of 11
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Community Services
Re: Recreation Needs Assessment for Persons with Disabilities – What We
Heard
To: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
From: Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation
Date: May 16, 2024
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Recreation Needs Assessment for Persons with
Disabilities – What We Heard be received for information.
Background
Over the past several months, staff in Community Services have been working with
consultants from J Consulting Group to develop a needs assessment as it relates to
recreation participation for persons with disabilities. An extensive community
engagement plan was developed to gather information from those living with
disabilities, those that support individuals with disabilities, and community
organizations that serve those with disabilities. Engagement activities included focus
groups, interviews, online surveys and telephone surveys.
This memorandum provides a summary of what we heard through these community
engagement activities.
Analysis
Who We Heard From:
144 disabled people
76 caregivers to persons with disabilities
25 parents of persons with disabilities
16 community organizations
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Recreation Needs Assessment for Persons with Disabilities – What We Heard
May 16, 2024 Page 2 of 3
17 members of Town staff and Council
10 members of Town Advisory Committees
What works well:
There is strong support for the Recreation Needs Assessment for Persons with
Disabilities
Program participants find Town programs welcoming
Inclusive and empowering programming is fundamental
Quality of care and support leads to positive experiences
Summer and Spring Break programs are highly valued
What are the challenges:
Demand for programming with support is growing
Many disabled people are not participating in recreation activities
There are financial barriers to accessing recreation
The built design in some facilities is not fully accessible
Transportation is a barrier to accessing programming
There is a lack of sufficient resources to offer inclusive programming
There are limited programs for youth and adults
Some caregivers and persons with disabilities may not be aware of what programs
are offered by the Town
How can we improve?
Increase representation among those with lived experience
Increase options and variety of programming
Provide more adaptive sport and fitness equipment options
Increase one to one supports and lower ratio programs
Reduce barriers to accessing programming
Invest in staff training
Improve awareness of the Town’s programs
Increase community engagement and collaboration
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Recreation Needs Assessment for Persons with Disabilities – What We Heard
May 16, 2024 Page 3 of 3
Based on the information gathered through the community engagement phase of the
project, the following goals were developed:
Inclusive Programming and Empowerment – Ensure diversity of programming that is
inclusive, adaptable to individual needs, and empowers participants.
Quality of Care and Support – Prioritize well trained staff and adequate resources to
provide support, enhancing the overall experience for participants.
Accessible Spaces and Programs – Address financial, transportation, and accessibility
barriers to full participation.
Representation and Engagement – Create volunteer and employment opportunities for
persons with disabilities, creating more active engagement and representation in all
aspects of recreation.
Adaptive Equipment and Supports – Increase the availability of adaptive sport and
fitness equipment and provide more support to ensure inclusivity and greater
accessibility.
Communication and Awareness – Enhance communication and awareness of program
offerings with diverse and accessible information distribution.
As this project progresses, actions and an implementation plan will be developed to
support these goals. At that time, staff will present a final memorandum to the
committee on this project.
Attachments
None.
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