Parks and Recreation Master Plan

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Help shape the future of parks and recreation in Quinte West!

The City of Quinte West is creating a Parks and Recreation Master Plan to help shape the future of parks, open spaces and recreation facilities.

A Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a framework that outlines the long-term vision, goals and priorities for the development, operation and maintenance of parks, open spaces, recreation facilities and community services.

The plan is created to meet the needs of those who live, work and play in Quinte West and is guided by the community’s priorities.

Engagement opportunities

Public open house (Feb. 26, 2025) - The City of Quinte West hosted a drop-in, public open house on Feb. 26 from 4 - 7 p.m. for the community to learn more about the plan, review the recommendations, provide feedback, and ask questions.

Online engagement (Feb. 27 - March 16, 2025) - Review the draft recommendations and provide your feedback through the online survey and discussion forum below.

Quinte West FamilyFest (March 9, 2025) - Learn more about the draft plan at Quinte West FamilyFest, happening March 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Batawa Community Centre.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommendations

Based on community needs and priorities, the draft plan recommends the following be implemented in Quinte West over the next 15 years. You can also read the draft plan and a summary of the plan's recommendations in the 'documents' tab on this page. To request an alternate format of the plan or reocmmendations, please email samantha.reid@quintewest.ca or call 613-392-2841.

Upgrades to existing parks

  • Add lighting, drinking water sources, seating, and adequate shelter (e.g., trees, picnic shelters) to parks to accommodate specific use patterns for each park.

  • Comply with AODA standards by ensuring new and updated parks and trails incorporate accessible paths, surfacing, play equipment, and parking, using a phased approach to improvements. Advance these initiatives in collaboration with the Quine West Accessibility Advisory Committee.

  • Install hazardous waste disposal receptacles and signage at parks and trails, where needed, through partnerships with other public organizations (e.g., Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre).

  • Prioritize regular maintenance and upgrades to existing skate parks.

Open spaces

  • Create a city-wide signage and wayfinding strategy.

  • Implement naturalization practices by hiring an expert to lead projects, which are supported by prior community consultation.

  • Expand environmental initiatives by working with local organizations.

  • Expand and enhance the active transportation network while incorporating interactive features to support outdoor recreation and tourism.

  • Introduce new trail experiences (e.g., off-leash dog trails, bicycle rental services).

  • Develop a comprehensive Waterfront Master Plan to expand recreation and tourism opportunities.

New park amenities

  • Explore areas for naturalized swimming with washrooms, changing rooms, and picnic areas.

  • Develop a new dog park in Frankford with comfort amenities (e.g., water station, shade structure, safe surfacing, fencing, and lighting).

  • Upgrade existing half basketball courts to full-size courts to meet current demand and install lighting, where necessary, to promote safe use during evening hours.

  • Introduce outdoor fitness equipment in City and/or community parks in Trenton (e.g., Centennial Park).

Mount Pelion Park

  • Install guardrails, sidewalks, and wayfinding signage.

  • Develop a plan to designate and maintain formal trails with green linkages and accessible features.

  • Add new attractions and interactive features to encourage increased community use.

  • Take advantage of Mount Pelion and Dufferin Park’s proximity to explore opportunities to host new events or activities.

Soccer fields

  • Maintain the existing number of soccer fields.

  • Consider converting existing fields to multi-use fields (except Centennial Park) to accommodate more sports.

Ball diamonds

  • Upgrade Frankford diamond and develop a two-diamond facility at Wooler Park by upgrading the existing diamond and adding a washroom/canteen.

  • Wait to upgrade Montrose diamond until demand justifies another facility.

Tennis and pickleball courts

  • Discontinue dual-use tennis/pickleball courts.

  • Decommission the York Park tennis court.

  • Provide eight designated pickleball courts at Hanna Park and a second park (16 total).

  • Add two tennis courts each to Hanna Park and Batawa.

  • Post ‘honour system’ rules at all courts to regulate usage.

  • Provide up to two more tennis courts, as needed, by 2039.

  • Monitor court usage to determine if more courts are needed.

  • Consider lighting courts to increase access as alternative to building new courts.

  • Continue supporting organized tennis and pickleball activities through the Trenton Racquet Club.

Outdoor event facilities and spaces

  • Optimize use of and revenue from the Bob Wannamaker Amphitheatre by working with event promotion/booking agencies.

  • Increase promotion of pavilions and other outdoor spaces to increase use.

Facility upgrades and improvements

  • Use building assessments to guide future facility development and minimize costs of maintaining existing facilities.

  • Verify need for improvements to facilities reported by community and integrate required improvements into annual asset management budgets.

  • Develop a plan to replace all ball diamond lights with LEDs, prioritizing those with heavy use and/or poor performance.

  • Consider inclusive design opportunities when renewing or planning new facilities.

Other facilities and trends to consider

  • Explore creative use/reuse of Trenton Farmers’ Market facility.

  • Provide and maintain beach volleyball courts at Centennial Park through collaboration with Quinte Young Professionals.

  • Investigate opportunity to purchase time at the 8 Wing CFB outdoor pool for resident use.

  • Explore opportunity to develop youth and young adult lawn bowling programs through collaboration with the Lawn Bowling Club.

  • Monitor demand for new facilities associated with emerging interests (e.g., cricket).

Indoor facility recommendations

  • Retain ownership of three existing ice pads until future ice pad development decisions are made.

  • Enhance ice-time access for existing users through a review of rental schedules with user groups.

  • Conduct a study to assess the potential for building and operating a four-pad arena complex.

  • Assess condition of curling rink through a City-funded study to help guide decision making.

  • Consider whether the curling rink could also be used as a Seniors’ Centre, if upgraded.

  • Assist the QWYC in relocating to a non-municipal space that better meets its needs, while exploring ways to improve public transit services to the current QWYC location in the interim.

  • Consider adding an artificial indoor turf field or fieldhouse (potentially at Wooler Park) and/or explore opportunities to facilitate access the Loyalist College Sports Dome for residents. If a field is developed, explore joint development/operating agreements with school boards.

  • Use existing arena halls to offer non-sport programs.

  • Introduce programming for all ages in the Batawa Community Centre through collaboration with the Batawa Lions Club and local residents.

  • Install a commercial kitchen and removeable partition in Batawa Community Centre to facilitate programming and rentals.

  • Consider installing a modular sprung floor in the Dr. McMullen Community Room.

  • Increase promotion of the Trent Port Marina Gathering Hall as a premier rental venue and collect feedback on an ongoing basis from renters on desired improvements. Consider discounting weekday rental rates.

  • Verify interest in the recommended design concept (and proposed facilities) for a performing arts centre in the former Trenton Town Hall, while considering potential impacts on Trenton’s Old Church Theatre.

  • Explore opportunities for collaborative cultural/heritage initiatives with local Indigenous communities.

Service delivery

  • Explore opportunities to collaborate with the YMCA, 8 Wing CFB Trenton, regional/provincial sport organizations, and School Boards to improve program delivery and facility access.

  • Support student placements in parks and recreation roles by partnering with local postsecondary institutions.

  • Streamline administrative processes for program and service providers.

  • Develop formal agreements with community partners and regularly review and update them.

  • Ensure community groups do not have exclusive facility use if it leads to underutilization.

  • Engage with volunteer recreation groups to determine the most effective ways for the City to provide support.

  • Create a full-time community development staff position to lead collaboration with nonmunicipal recreation service providers, including through regular joint planning sessions

  • Explore opportunities to provide healthier choices through municipal food services.

Program and event recommendations

  • Explore benefits of offering short-term programs to fill existing gaps in programming and guide long-term offerings.

  • Introduce/support the introduction of small-scale arts and culture activities in parks (e.g., open mics, art classes).

  • Support the introduction of water, park, and trail-based programs like water sport lessons and outdoor yoga.

  • Introduce more opportunities for drop-in sports at municipal facilities.

  • Diversify events by focusing on Quinte West’s unique culture, history, and local interests (e.g., food festivals).

  • Develop/support the development of events centered on outdoor recreation, fitness, and educational activities (e.g., music festival with workshops, events on Batawa’s trails).

  • Encourage and support community organizations in organizing events.

  • Promote “tourist in your own city” concept to encourage events in all areas of Quinte West (e.g., local food tours, themed walks, community challenges).

  • Continue successful events like Movies in the Park and Summer Concert Series, exploring opportunities to increase their frequency.

  • Create events that showcase the City’s parks, trails, and waterways, such as a park crawl along the Trent-Severn Waterway.

  • Explore the opportunity to introduce a municipal equipment lending library by partnering with local service groups (e.g., Lions Club, Kinsmen, Kiwanis Club) to sponsor equipment.

  • Collaborate with local businesses to run or sponsor low-cost, family-friendly activities (e.g., live music, storytime sessions, art in the park, pop-up sports events).

  • Develop a list of people who are interested in volunteering to support programs and events to ensure a pool of volunteers is on hand when needed.

We want your input on these recommendations! Please complete the survey or leave or react to a comment in the discussion forum below.

Next steps

Input received through the first round of community engagement in 2024 was used to prepare the draft plan. Feedback received at the February 2025 open house and online engagement will help finalize the draft plan before it is presented to Quinte West Council for review and approval in the spring of 2025.

Help shape the future of parks and recreation in Quinte West!

The City of Quinte West is creating a Parks and Recreation Master Plan to help shape the future of parks, open spaces and recreation facilities.

A Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a framework that outlines the long-term vision, goals and priorities for the development, operation and maintenance of parks, open spaces, recreation facilities and community services.

The plan is created to meet the needs of those who live, work and play in Quinte West and is guided by the community’s priorities.

Engagement opportunities

Public open house (Feb. 26, 2025) - The City of Quinte West hosted a drop-in, public open house on Feb. 26 from 4 - 7 p.m. for the community to learn more about the plan, review the recommendations, provide feedback, and ask questions.

Online engagement (Feb. 27 - March 16, 2025) - Review the draft recommendations and provide your feedback through the online survey and discussion forum below.

Quinte West FamilyFest (March 9, 2025) - Learn more about the draft plan at Quinte West FamilyFest, happening March 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Batawa Community Centre.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommendations

Based on community needs and priorities, the draft plan recommends the following be implemented in Quinte West over the next 15 years. You can also read the draft plan and a summary of the plan's recommendations in the 'documents' tab on this page. To request an alternate format of the plan or reocmmendations, please email samantha.reid@quintewest.ca or call 613-392-2841.

Upgrades to existing parks

  • Add lighting, drinking water sources, seating, and adequate shelter (e.g., trees, picnic shelters) to parks to accommodate specific use patterns for each park.

  • Comply with AODA standards by ensuring new and updated parks and trails incorporate accessible paths, surfacing, play equipment, and parking, using a phased approach to improvements. Advance these initiatives in collaboration with the Quine West Accessibility Advisory Committee.

  • Install hazardous waste disposal receptacles and signage at parks and trails, where needed, through partnerships with other public organizations (e.g., Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre).

  • Prioritize regular maintenance and upgrades to existing skate parks.

Open spaces

  • Create a city-wide signage and wayfinding strategy.

  • Implement naturalization practices by hiring an expert to lead projects, which are supported by prior community consultation.

  • Expand environmental initiatives by working with local organizations.

  • Expand and enhance the active transportation network while incorporating interactive features to support outdoor recreation and tourism.

  • Introduce new trail experiences (e.g., off-leash dog trails, bicycle rental services).

  • Develop a comprehensive Waterfront Master Plan to expand recreation and tourism opportunities.

New park amenities

  • Explore areas for naturalized swimming with washrooms, changing rooms, and picnic areas.

  • Develop a new dog park in Frankford with comfort amenities (e.g., water station, shade structure, safe surfacing, fencing, and lighting).

  • Upgrade existing half basketball courts to full-size courts to meet current demand and install lighting, where necessary, to promote safe use during evening hours.

  • Introduce outdoor fitness equipment in City and/or community parks in Trenton (e.g., Centennial Park).

Mount Pelion Park

  • Install guardrails, sidewalks, and wayfinding signage.

  • Develop a plan to designate and maintain formal trails with green linkages and accessible features.

  • Add new attractions and interactive features to encourage increased community use.

  • Take advantage of Mount Pelion and Dufferin Park’s proximity to explore opportunities to host new events or activities.

Soccer fields

  • Maintain the existing number of soccer fields.

  • Consider converting existing fields to multi-use fields (except Centennial Park) to accommodate more sports.

Ball diamonds

  • Upgrade Frankford diamond and develop a two-diamond facility at Wooler Park by upgrading the existing diamond and adding a washroom/canteen.

  • Wait to upgrade Montrose diamond until demand justifies another facility.

Tennis and pickleball courts

  • Discontinue dual-use tennis/pickleball courts.

  • Decommission the York Park tennis court.

  • Provide eight designated pickleball courts at Hanna Park and a second park (16 total).

  • Add two tennis courts each to Hanna Park and Batawa.

  • Post ‘honour system’ rules at all courts to regulate usage.

  • Provide up to two more tennis courts, as needed, by 2039.

  • Monitor court usage to determine if more courts are needed.

  • Consider lighting courts to increase access as alternative to building new courts.

  • Continue supporting organized tennis and pickleball activities through the Trenton Racquet Club.

Outdoor event facilities and spaces

  • Optimize use of and revenue from the Bob Wannamaker Amphitheatre by working with event promotion/booking agencies.

  • Increase promotion of pavilions and other outdoor spaces to increase use.

Facility upgrades and improvements

  • Use building assessments to guide future facility development and minimize costs of maintaining existing facilities.

  • Verify need for improvements to facilities reported by community and integrate required improvements into annual asset management budgets.

  • Develop a plan to replace all ball diamond lights with LEDs, prioritizing those with heavy use and/or poor performance.

  • Consider inclusive design opportunities when renewing or planning new facilities.

Other facilities and trends to consider

  • Explore creative use/reuse of Trenton Farmers’ Market facility.

  • Provide and maintain beach volleyball courts at Centennial Park through collaboration with Quinte Young Professionals.

  • Investigate opportunity to purchase time at the 8 Wing CFB outdoor pool for resident use.

  • Explore opportunity to develop youth and young adult lawn bowling programs through collaboration with the Lawn Bowling Club.

  • Monitor demand for new facilities associated with emerging interests (e.g., cricket).

Indoor facility recommendations

  • Retain ownership of three existing ice pads until future ice pad development decisions are made.

  • Enhance ice-time access for existing users through a review of rental schedules with user groups.

  • Conduct a study to assess the potential for building and operating a four-pad arena complex.

  • Assess condition of curling rink through a City-funded study to help guide decision making.

  • Consider whether the curling rink could also be used as a Seniors’ Centre, if upgraded.

  • Assist the QWYC in relocating to a non-municipal space that better meets its needs, while exploring ways to improve public transit services to the current QWYC location in the interim.

  • Consider adding an artificial indoor turf field or fieldhouse (potentially at Wooler Park) and/or explore opportunities to facilitate access the Loyalist College Sports Dome for residents. If a field is developed, explore joint development/operating agreements with school boards.

  • Use existing arena halls to offer non-sport programs.

  • Introduce programming for all ages in the Batawa Community Centre through collaboration with the Batawa Lions Club and local residents.

  • Install a commercial kitchen and removeable partition in Batawa Community Centre to facilitate programming and rentals.

  • Consider installing a modular sprung floor in the Dr. McMullen Community Room.

  • Increase promotion of the Trent Port Marina Gathering Hall as a premier rental venue and collect feedback on an ongoing basis from renters on desired improvements. Consider discounting weekday rental rates.

  • Verify interest in the recommended design concept (and proposed facilities) for a performing arts centre in the former Trenton Town Hall, while considering potential impacts on Trenton’s Old Church Theatre.

  • Explore opportunities for collaborative cultural/heritage initiatives with local Indigenous communities.

Service delivery

  • Explore opportunities to collaborate with the YMCA, 8 Wing CFB Trenton, regional/provincial sport organizations, and School Boards to improve program delivery and facility access.

  • Support student placements in parks and recreation roles by partnering with local postsecondary institutions.

  • Streamline administrative processes for program and service providers.

  • Develop formal agreements with community partners and regularly review and update them.

  • Ensure community groups do not have exclusive facility use if it leads to underutilization.

  • Engage with volunteer recreation groups to determine the most effective ways for the City to provide support.

  • Create a full-time community development staff position to lead collaboration with nonmunicipal recreation service providers, including through regular joint planning sessions

  • Explore opportunities to provide healthier choices through municipal food services.

Program and event recommendations

  • Explore benefits of offering short-term programs to fill existing gaps in programming and guide long-term offerings.

  • Introduce/support the introduction of small-scale arts and culture activities in parks (e.g., open mics, art classes).

  • Support the introduction of water, park, and trail-based programs like water sport lessons and outdoor yoga.

  • Introduce more opportunities for drop-in sports at municipal facilities.

  • Diversify events by focusing on Quinte West’s unique culture, history, and local interests (e.g., food festivals).

  • Develop/support the development of events centered on outdoor recreation, fitness, and educational activities (e.g., music festival with workshops, events on Batawa’s trails).

  • Encourage and support community organizations in organizing events.

  • Promote “tourist in your own city” concept to encourage events in all areas of Quinte West (e.g., local food tours, themed walks, community challenges).

  • Continue successful events like Movies in the Park and Summer Concert Series, exploring opportunities to increase their frequency.

  • Create events that showcase the City’s parks, trails, and waterways, such as a park crawl along the Trent-Severn Waterway.

  • Explore the opportunity to introduce a municipal equipment lending library by partnering with local service groups (e.g., Lions Club, Kinsmen, Kiwanis Club) to sponsor equipment.

  • Collaborate with local businesses to run or sponsor low-cost, family-friendly activities (e.g., live music, storytime sessions, art in the park, pop-up sports events).

  • Develop a list of people who are interested in volunteering to support programs and events to ensure a pool of volunteers is on hand when needed.

We want your input on these recommendations! Please complete the survey or leave or react to a comment in the discussion forum below.

Next steps

Input received through the first round of community engagement in 2024 was used to prepare the draft plan. Feedback received at the February 2025 open house and online engagement will help finalize the draft plan before it is presented to Quinte West Council for review and approval in the spring of 2025.

Discussions: All (1) Open (1)

  • Comment on the draft Master Plan

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Page last updated: 11 Mar 2025, 12:57 PM