Parks Planning and Development

Accessible playgrounds provide barrier-free access and incorporate types of play, safety surfacing, points of entry into the play space, and rest areas.

Accessible recreational trails provide barrier-free access to the active transportation network where technically feasible. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (A.O.D.A.) requires the City to consult on the following before developing recreational trails:

1. The slope of the trail
2. The need for and location of ramps on the trail
3. The need for location of and design of:
   • rest areas
   • passing areas
   • viewing areas
   • amenities on the trail
   • any other important features

The City's Official Plan, along with several Council-approved guiding documents, shape the development of our parks and trails. These include the Parks, Recreation, Library, and Culture Master Plan (PRLC) and the Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP). Both plans take into consideration trends, demographics, existing resources, and service levels.

Park revitalizations are evaluated as part of the City's annual asset management and accessibility audit process, within the framework of the City’s budget. The capital forecast is reviewed by Council through the budget process annually. Improvements are made as park amenities approach the end of their safe-use lifespan. Priorities can shift based on essential service upgrades.

If a park is considered for redevelopment in the future, residents will have the opportunity to provide input on park amenities at that time via Connect Oshawa.

Any feedback or questions about park development projects can be shared by emailing Service Oshawa.

The Civic Recreation Complex, located at 99 Thornton Rd. S., includes Civic Stadium—featuring an artificial turf multi-sport field and a 400 metre, 8 lane running track.

Please note: The outdoor track is closed for the 2025 season to allow for resurfacing and upgrades to meet current Track and Field standards required for World Athletics Certification. As of June 2025, a full assessment of the track's condition has been completed. Resurfacing and restoration work is scheduled to begin in the coming months.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our facilities.

The City is currently in the process of redeveloping Easton Park at 900 Adelaide Ave. E. Thank you to community members who provided their feedback as part of the public engagement. The new design is based on community feedback and focuses on engaging and creative play opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities.

View the concept

Details

Construction will commence in October 2025 and is expected to last until the fall of 2026. Read the notice of construction

Site amenities include:

• Junior and senior playground
• Splash pad
• Swings and slides
• Multi-use sport court
• Shaded seating area and site furniture
• Pathway/walking loop
• Upgraded asphalt parking lot
• Native tree planting

Downtown Oshawa Urban Square development located at the intersection of Bond St. E. and Simcoe St. N. will be a unique focal point of downtown Oshawa, hosting community celebrations, events and concerts that appeal to both community members and visitors, bringing vitality and excitement into the downtown core.

Details

Construction is underway and is expected to be finished by fall 2025. 

Current work involves preparing the site for underground services (including demolition and removals, site excavation and site servicing), subgrade elevations, and granular base installation.

Future work includes:

• Hardscape installation
• Site furnishings
• Softscape installation or planting
• Site lighting installation

The Harmony Creek Trail is an accessible, paved multi-use trail that winds through the Harmony Creek Valley and is a valued part of Oshawa’s trail network.

Extension Information:

The City of Oshawa is extending the existing Harmony Creek Trail to add to the City’s multi-use recreational trail network. This 1 km, 3 m wide fully accessible asphalt trail will extend from Esterbrook Dr. north through the greenspace along Arborwood Dr. to Conlin Rd., which includes a pedestrian bridge, benches/rest areas, and indigenous informative signage.

Council approved this project as part of the 2022 Capital Budget. This project also includes supplemental funding through the Active Transportation Fund provided by the Government of Canada.

Details

The extensive and detailed design is comprised of a multiple faceted consulting team that includes:

• Landscape Architect
• Structural Engineer
• Geotechnical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Hydraulic Engineer
• Stormwater Engineer
• Licensed Arborist

The project also included substantial consultation with other authorities such as:

• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (C.L.O.C.A.)
• Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Alderville First Nations and Hiawatha First Nations
• Region of Durham
• Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Government of Canada

Public consultation for accessibility was conducted in January 2024.

Construction is scheduled to begin mid-February 2025 with an anticipated completion of Fall of 2025.

View the concept plan and map

The Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Trail winds through the scenic Oshawa Creek Valley and is a valued part of our community’s trail network.

Please be advised that the section of the trail near Gibb St. is temporarily closed due to safety concerns identified in the area surrounding the Gibb St. bridge. The City is coordinating efforts with the Region’s plans for a full bridge replacement, which will allow for a long-term reconstruction of the trail connection and street crossing.

In the meantime, the City is actively working on a temporary trail realignment and an on-street crossing solution to safely reopen this section of the trail. Construction and reopening are anticipated in late 2025.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to enhance Oshawa’s trail system.

The City is redeveloping Renaissance Park, located at 1529 Connery Crescent, and is seeking community input to help shape its design.

The new design will be based on community feedback and will focus on engaging and creative play opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Details

Proposed improvements may include:

• hard surface pathways
• new play equipment with accessible engineered wood fibre safety surfacing
• seating
• shade structure
• fitness equipment
• shade tree planting
• minor splash pad 

Thank you to community members who provided their feedback as part of the public engagement. Feedback was considered as part of the concept plan.

Construction is anticipated for summer 2026 and expected to be completed by fall 2026.

The City is undertaking the redevelopment of Rotary Park (254 Centre St. S.), a community park immediately south of the Downtown area and adjacent to the picturesque Oshawa Creek Valley. The park provides a connection to the Joseph Kolodzie Trail and Brick By Brick Park, and is close access to City Hall and downtown destinations and businesses.

Construction is underway on the project. The redevelopment includes:

• a new outdoor pool with four lanes, a zero-entry pool area and toddler pool area
• a destination playground
• a splash pad
• a parking lot
• pathways
• site amenities

Due to weather and supply chain disruptions, the contractor has advised that project completion will be later in 2025.

The Park has a history dating back nearly 100 years with families and visitors enjoying the park and outdoor pool for decades. The redevelopment of Rotary Park has been selected as the Legacy Project for the City of Oshawa’s centennial celebrations.

Construction is expected to begin this spring. All upgrades to the park will meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (A.O.D.A.) and Oshawa’s Accessibility Design Standards.

Renderings