Windsor spending $1.1 million to expand trails and parks

windsor park 1

Ontario Construction News staff writer

The City of Windsor last week launched the final phase of $1.1 million in infrastructure improvements to two public parks.

Work will begin this month to build 400 metres of accessible multi-use trails in Langlois Court Park located on South Pacific Avenue, and a second 600-metre multi-use trail will be installed in the adjacent Southdale Park. Both asphalt trails will be 10 feet wide, in compliance with modern accessibility standards, and nearly double the width of the 30-year-old pathway that is being replaced.

“Our parks and trails offer some of Windsor’s most valued public attractions and amenities. I am proud of the investments council continues to make to enhance and expand these facilities to keep our community healthy and active. These are the kind of public amenities that directly improve quality of life and the kind of infrastructure enhancements that retain talent and make our city more inviting to those looking to build a life and invest in a new community,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens.

New trails are an extension of the new 660-metre multi-use trail that was built last year from Parent Avenue East to South Pacific Avenue in Langlois Court Parkette. When construction of the final phase is completed this fall, residents will have access to a full 2.4 kilometres of continuous modern bicycling trail connecting three key parks: Remington, Langlois Court and Southdale.

In addition to the upgraded 1.6-kilometre multi-use trail, the project at Langlois Court and Southdale Parks will also include:

  • Drainage improvements to reduce flooding
  • 21 new benches with concrete pads
  • 34 LED lights
  • About 150 new trees planted between both parks
  • 2 picnic tables in Langlois Court Park

windsor park 2Over the past five years, Windsor’s cycling network has increased by almost 40 kilometres to about160 kilometres of multi-use trails and nearly 100 kilometres of bicycle lanes.

Progress to date includes the following:

  • Council’s unanimous approval of Windsor’s first Active Transportation Master Plan – an ambitious document that identifies short, medium and long-term strategies to improve sustainable transportation in Windsor
  • Increase to Windsor’s cycling network by almost 40 kilometres
  • Completion of the Dougall Avenue underpass – a $9-million project to improve safety and connectivity for non-motorized traffic travelling between north and south Windsor
  • Installation of wayfinding signage and informational kiosks along popular trails
  • New bicycle lanes added to a number of main roadways, including Riverside Drive, Cabana Road, Dominion Boulevard and Northwood Street
  • Expansion of the multi-use trail network to create more routes to better connect neighbourhoods along Lauzon Road, Rhodes Drive and Banwell Road, among many others
  • Addition of new bike-friendly pathways to upgrade many City parks, including Alton C. Parker, Bridgeview Park, Central Park and Litter River Corridor

The 2021 City of Windsor Budget included a 10-year, $1.6-billion capital plan for public infrastructure, including parks and multi-use trails.

“The trails we are building in the Langlois and Southdale parks provide a seamless active transportation route through to Remington Park and on to further amenities,” said Councillor Jim Morrison. “Adding this new link to the original plans, with a loop around the park, enhances access and encourages exploration.”

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