Rocky Point and Old Orchard Parks Master Plans

In Phase 3, we’re asking for your feedback on the recommended design concept. Please note:

• at this stage in our engagement process, we are asking for feedback on the design concept as a whole rather than on specific elements;

• the Rocky Point Park Master Plan project is focused on the City-owned land contained within the park’s current boundaries; and

• traffic and transportation are outside the scope of the project.

Rocky Point Pool

The recommended design concept presents two stages of planning: a short-term stage (within the 10 years covered by the master plan) with Rocky Point Pool remaining in place and a long-term stage (potentially beyond the 10 years covered by the master plan) that envisions the pool space being used in other ways that will benefit the community. The decision to include a second, longer-term option was informed by a number of factors, including mixed public feedback on the pool during Phase 2 engagement (page 26 in the engagement summary report), the knowledge that the pool is nearing the end of its useable life, discussions regarding whether the pool needs to be within Rocky Point Park or can be considered for a future move to a different location, as well as professional best practices for park planning and design. The short-term plan, as shown in the recommended concept, includes the pool remaining in Rocky Point Park.

The City will not be making decisions about the future of the pool until we have completed the Recreation Facilities Feasibility Study and then conducted a more detailed needs assessment, which will involve community input.

Additional notes on the pool:

• we will be conducting a feasibility study this year that will consider future need for new recreation facilities in Port Moody;
• the pool at Rocky Point Park is near the end of its useable life;
• as we are recommending the removal of the pool from the park in the long term, we are not recommending any significant improvements to the pool facility in the short term;
• currently, the feasibility of a building a new pool located outside the park – and any potential associated timelines – is unknown; and
• the City has not yet studied options for financing a proposed capital project to build a new pool, or determined if there are any suitable alternative locations for a pool.
  
  

Recommended design concept for Rocky Point Park

The recommended design concept demonstrates how park improvements could be laid out.

View full-size image

Recommended design elements

The recommended design concept aims to achieve the following Big Moves:

1. improve access to and throughout the park with improved parking, clear bike access, and widened pathways

View full-size image

2. re-envision an enhanced kids and youth zone with expanded play area, upgraded spray park, and upgraded youth area

View full-size image

3. open up and improve the central green with enhanced viewpoints and space for events, and define transitions between spaces by creating edges with trees and pathways

View full-size image

4. re-imagine the waterfront with a central boardwalk, small watercraft amenities, and walkways over the mudflats

View full-size image

5. create a resilient park environment in a changing climate through:

• raising up of the shoreline and all levels of the park in phases – this will help to protect the park from sea level rise;
• investigating the feasibility of building tidal marshes within the mudflats to reduce the impact of wave action due to extreme weather/sea level rise, as well as create beneficial habitat;
• working to increase the tree canopy cover based on strategic planting of new, resilient tree species; and
• integrating access to shade and water in multiple locations.

Additional considerations for the Master Plan

1. Washrooms

A washroom facilities study for the park is underway. The Rocky Point Park Master Plan will consider the following:

• renovation of the existing facility at the spray park could increase the washroom capacity significantly;
• moving the spray park slightly further away from the existing washroom will create more space and make it easier for people to access the washroom;
• having a new washroom near the pier would be beneficial to park users; and
• additional public washrooms could be included in a potential new building as part of the long-term plan.

2. Phasing

The Rocky Point Park Master Plan will recommend that park improvements be implemented in phases. This will enable the park to remain accessible in some way throughout separate construction projects. It will also help the city to strategize budgets and approval processes for a series of separate projects. The Master Plan will recommend what each phase would entail based on which improvements are most urgent as well as considerations of projects which may require lengthy approval processes such as changes to the shoreline.

3. The western edge of the park

Throughout the master plan process, many questions have emerged about the western edge of the park and how it might integrate with future plans.

Given that major elements on this edge require extended planning, collaboration with other partners, and lease discussions, all of which are beyond the scope of this project, the following recommendation is proposed:

• The Master Plan will not include any significant projects for this zone; however, it will outline preliminary possibilities to inspire future development and enhancement of the park, and to encourage the city to continue proactive planning in this area.

In Phase 3, we’re asking for your feedback on the recommended design concept. Please note:

• at this stage in our engagement process, we are asking for feedback on the design concept as a whole rather than on specific elements; and
• traffic and transportation are outside the scope of the project.

Recommended design concept for Old Orchard Park

The recommended design concept demonstrates how park improvements could be laid out. It focuses on upgrading select key amenities in the park, integrated sensitively into a steep sloped environment while balancing the park’s rich ecological integrity and family feel. Proposed upgrades are intended to be completed in a single phase as one project. These upgrades are a priority for the City in the near term (i.e. within 2-3 years).

View full-size image.

Recommended design elements

Meander path (item number 2 on the design concept)
The meander path’s purpose is to create an accessible, gradually-sloped route from the Shoreline Trail to the beach. As it traverses the slope it unites the park’s other features along the route. The path integrates into the slope with pockets of natural planting as well as stairs for a more direct route through the park.

New playground (item number 3 on the design concept)
The existing playground is near the end of its useable life and needs to be replaced. Previous engagement has indicated that people feel the playground should stay roughly the same size as it is today. The concept proposes that the play area make use of the slope through hill slides and climbing slopes. A natural look and theme for the play area is indicated, to blend in well with the park context.

New washroom/changeroom and picnic shelter (item number 4 on the design concept)
A small washroom/changeroom facility is proposed at a mid-level point, providing a new facility which is more accessible from the beach and playground than the existing facility at Old Orchard Hall. The discreet building would be embedded into the slope and integrates a new picnic shelter on the roof, acting as a viewing deck looking out to the inlet.

Habitat islands and swimming beach (item number 5 on the design concept)
The concept proposes the integration of habitat islands, or tombolos (islands connected to the mainland during low tide). Building small landforms in the mudflats could help to reduce negative impacts of sea level rise on the beach – effectively reducing the need for beach nourishment by naturally preventing sand from being washed away gradually or through wave action during storms. The landforms would be designed to appear natural and to provide habitat enhancement. The design for this feature will need further study to determine exact locations and forms.

Lounge deck and shower (item number 6 on the design concept)
A small deck acts as a porch for the new washroom building and is connected to a larger beach-level deck through stepping benches. The larger deck at the beach would integrate lounge seating and tables to facilitate gathering and resting. An outdoor shower is suggested on or adjacent to the deck to allow for washing up after the beach.

The Meadow (item number 7 on the design concept)
The opening in the tree canopy south of the main park, commonly known as the Meadow, will retain its character and use. The concept proposes the construction of a more gradual pathway that would connect the upper and lower pathways, and re-shaping of the land to create more useable small lawns tucked into steeper natural meadows.

Improved drop-off area (item 9 on the design concept)
Improvements to the vehicular drop-off area at Alderside Road will be considered as part of the detailed design of the park. Because there is limited parking at the level of the park, making the drop-off area more accessible is important. Consideration will also be given to providing space for a food truck in this area during high season.

What we heard during the first phase of community engagement in June/July 2022 informed the development of a vision for each park and six overarching guiding principles that apply to both Rocky Point Park and Old Orchard Park. Together, the vision and the guiding principles will guide each park’s development and change over the next 10 years.

Vision: Old Orchard Park

Old Orchard Park will:

• be a local, family-oriented, beachfront park that supports a calm and peaceful environment for its visitors;
• be well connected to the City’s park and trail network, and provide opportunities to gather and play, and enjoy picnics, sunsets and more; and
• embrace a close connection with the water and preserve the ecologically rich natural areas surrounding it, ensuring the coastal ecosystems and sensitive habitat are protected

Guiding principles:

We will be guided in our planning and decision-making by the following principles:

• steward healthy and resilient ecosystems;
• enhance connection with the waterfront;
• maintain a quality park experience;
• contribute to the City of Port Moody’s Truth and Reconciliation work;
• support network connectivity; and
• ensure park accessibility and inclusivity.

View full size image

Vision: Rocky Point Park

Rocky Point Park will:

• be an active and inclusive community hub and waterfront destination that welcomes visitors from near and far, through all seasons and into the evenings;
• be an exciting and safe gathering place for events and a variety of recreational activities, on land and water, with ease of access into and throughout the park for multiple modes of transport;
• support thriving ecosystems defined by rich and natural marine environments, and will be resilient in the face of climate change and changing demands; and
• be a place where visitors will be enriched with expanded opportunities for learning about the park’s diverse ecosystems and cultural uses.

Guiding principles:

The guiding principles are the same for both parks. We will be guided in our planning and decision-making by the following principles:

• steward healthy and resilient ecosystems;
• enhance connection with the waterfront;
• maintain a quality park experience;
• contribute to the City of Port Moody’s Truth and Reconciliation work;
• support network connectivity; and
• ensure park accessibility and inclusivity.

View full size image

Through our Phase 1 engagement events in 2022 and our early analysis work, we have learned a lot. And now, in Phase 2, we’re looking for feedback on nine actions (Old Orchard Park) and five Big Moves (Rocky Point Park) that support the vision and respond to the guiding principles.

Actions for Old Orchard Park

1. Improve the arrival experience for the park and the entrance to the Shoreline Trail.
2. Improve accessibility throughout the park, prioritizing beachfront access, with a new gently sloped path.
3. Build a new, improved playground which makes use of the slope and is well integrated with the rest of the park.
4. Add washroom and/or changeroom facilities within the park, to expand on the existing washroom within Old Orchard Hall.
5. Improve and enhance the sandy beach area.
6. Protect the beach and park from coastal erosion and sea level rise, while enhancing habitat through shoreline restoration features such as habitat islands.
7. Improve the ecological and habitat value of the park through forest and creek restoration projects.
8. Improve the open lawn area for picnicking and small events, creating more flat areas with views to the water.
9. Provide additional water-related experiences for times when beach swimming is limited due to tide levels or during extreme heat events.

View full size image

Big Moves for Rocky Point Park

1. Improve access to and throughout the park: Better define pedestrian and bike flow and improve quality of paths for safety and accessibility. Accommodate connections to future developments, as well as transit stops and Moody Centre Station.
   
   
   
2. Re-envision an enhanced kids and youth zone: Better integrate the kids and youth zone in a unified design. Provide greater diversity of activities for all ages and abilities, as well as all season use, considering cover from rain and sun.
   
3. Open up and improve the central green: Better define the great lawn at the heart of the park and enhance its appearance and functionality; improve operational access to the stage; and provide a better connectivity with commercial uses.
   
4. Re-imagine the waterfront: Create a more attractive and usable waterfront park area, perched above the inter-tidal area. Re-imagine the waterfront to celebrate the pier and location by the ocean. Create an attractive gathering space for programming and enjoyment that transitions smoothly into a natural character further east.
   
5. Create a resilient park environment in a changing climate: Consider climate change adaptation measures against coastal flooding, erosion, extreme heat, and more. Create an environment that supports biodiversity and improves user comfort and experience.
   

During Phase 1 engagement in July and August 2022, we asked participants how they use Rocky Point and Old Orchard parks today, and what they want the parks to be like in the future. We used that feedback to develop draft design concepts and proposed actions.

In Phase 2, we’re asking for feedback on the draft design concepts: three for Rocky Point Park, and one for Old Orchard Park. We’re also asking participants to share their thoughts on how we should prioritize potential improvements, as we won’t be able to achieve everything. Your input will inform the refinement of draft master plans which will be presented to Council for their consideration in late 2023 or early 2024.

The draft design concepts demonstrate how potential park improvements could be laid out. The final design concept for each park that will be incorporated into its master plan may include some ideas from a particular draft concept but not all of them. For this reason, we are asking for your feedback on specific ideas rather than on each draft design concept as a whole.

Old Orchard Park draft design concept

The concept plan for Old Orchard Park is a bold move to improve select key amenities in the park, integrated sensitively into a steep sloped environment, while balancing the rich ecological integrity and family feel of the park. The concept plan showcases how all actions (i.e. park improvements) could be achieved.

View full size image

Rocky Point Park draft design concepts

Please note: The Rocky Point Park Master Plan project is focused on the City-owned land contained within the park’s current boundaries.

Concept 1 – The Lookout

The “Lookout” concept is organized around directing people and views towards the waterside, with tree-lined linear paths stretching across the length of the park and overlooks at the water’s edge. The concept takes a softer design approach, with a more immersive and relaxed garden experience at the waterfront and the warmer materials of a boardwalk to connect dining and play experiences at the entrance to the park.

The unique features of this concept include:

• a generous new dining/picnicking hub at the entrance, which looks out over the park and is well integrated with the play area – in place of the existing pool;
• reconfiguration of the open green space for a better relationship with the stage and improved circulation patterns and experience along parking lots – requires removal of a few parking spaces on the south end;
• retainment of the stage and primary access towards it, with minor improvements to path width and water pooling;
• an expanded playground area and wading cove, as well as an expanded youth zone – the two are in their own dedicated spaces;
• a new garden plaza space at the water’s edge, with seating and a water spray feature – it borrows a portion of the parking area to create a better relationship with the pier entrance and a greener edge condition; and
• picnic shelter space is increased and placed in a new dedicated location near the western entrance to the park.

View full size image

Concept 2 – The Round

The “Round” concept creates a larger space at the central green and a perched sandy area at the waterfront, using soft curving lines and evoking a relaxed natural beach atmosphere. (A perched beach is a naturally occurring or simulated beach that sits above the normal level of the shoreline. In this case, there would be no access to the shoreline below as the mudflats in the Port Moody Arm of Burrard Inlet are not safe to walk on and they are home to a variety of marine life that is sensitive to disturbance.)

Energy is focused inward to the park, where people can gather around a number of integrated uses: events, dining, water play, playground, gardens, and picnics. The waterfront conversely offers a more intimate relationship with nature – with pathways hovering over the water amidst an ecologically rich shoreline.

The unique features of this concept include:

• a more conservative approach to food and dining at the entrance to the park, with the ice cream parlour and additional food building – integrated in the area is a small dining deck and moveable tables and chairs;
• a new water play experience with wading pool and spray plaza integrated with the open lawn and garden plaza (the new experience would be in place of the existing pool);
• an enlarged open green space to better accommodate events and circulation (this would require removal of a few parking spaces on the south end and a shift in picnic shelter location) – and an enhanced performance/events experience with the creation of a new stage with a backdrop of the inlet;
• the playground remains of similar size, with some improvements for accessibility and age gaps;
• an expanded youth zone, with an improved relationship to the playground area;
• a new open plaza space at the water’s edge, with unimpeded views and feature seating; and
• an integrated perched beach experience nestled among pollinator gardens.

View full size image

Concept 3 – The Walk

The “Walk” concept dedicates a generous area for activity at the water’s edge, while retaining the pool use in the park with an upgraded facility. A large boardwalk and picnic grove offer dining, lounging, and gathering alongside water play, extending east from the pier. The concept has long straight pathways parallel to the water, which emphasize views and define a series of open spaces versus a single larger green.

The unique features of this concept include:

• a new feature outdoor pool and integrated community building at the entrance of the park, alongside the existing ice cream shop (Pajos also remains in its current location) – and smaller defined green lawn areas to accommodate various event sizes;
• an upgraded splash pad in the same location as the existing spray park;
• an enhanced performance/events experience with the creation of a new stage with a backdrop of the inlet;
• an expanded and integrated kids play and youth zone in one;
• a new lively waterfront experience, with a large open deck for lounging and enjoying views out to the water, and transitioning to a shaded picnic area and integrated water play feature; and
• additional picnic shelters further east in the park (the existing shelter on the west remains in place).

View full size image

Phase 1 open houses:

We hosted an open house in Old Orchard Park (630 Alderside Road) on Saturday, July 23, 2022 and in Rocky Point Park (2800 block Murray Street) on Sunday, July 24, 2022. Thank you to everyone who joined us to review our information boards and provide input.

Phase 1 community surveys:

Thank you to everyone who provided their feedback on our surveys in June/July 2022.

Find out what we heard from the community. View the November 22, 2022 Council meeting agenda package (see item 5.6) to read City staff's report to Council and the Phase 1 public engagement summary.

Phase 2 information session (online engagement opportunity):

On October 25, 2023, participants watched an online presentation to learn about the draft design concepts and potential improvements for Rocky Point and Old Orchard parks. There was an opportunity to submit questions or comments in writing. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Phase 2 open house (in-person engagement opportunity):

We hosted an open house in the Civic Centre Galleria on October 26, 2023. Participants had a chance to review information boards and share their thoughts on draft design concepts showing a variety of potential improvements for Rocky Point and Old Orchard parks. City staff and consultants were on hand to answer questions. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Phase 2 community surveys:

Thank you to everyone who provided their feedback via our community surveys in October/November 2023.

Find out what we heard from the community. View the January 23, 2024 Council meeting agenda package (see item 7.2) to read City staff's report to Council and the Phase 2 public engagement summary.

A park master plan:

• is a strategic, living document
• is a framework for future planning and decision-making around park facilities, trails, and open spaces
• articulates a vision for the park and highlights priorities and long-term aspirations
• is organized around a series of layered maps that together form a cohesive plan
• sets out a clear implementation plan going forward

Rocky Point and Old Orchard parks are well enjoyed by the local community and visitors from throughout the region. As the region’s population grows, however, these parks face intensifying usage pressures which can lead to heightened stress on aging infrastructure and the natural environment. Master plans for these two parks, which will include an updated assessment of park spaces and plans for strategic renewal, will help us improve community well-being, social equity, and the resiliency of the parks’ natural habitats.

Rocky Point Park Today

Considered to be the “jewel in the crown” of the City’s shoreline park system, Rocky Point Park welcomes visitors from Port Moody and beyond. It wraps around the Port Moody Arm of Burrard Inlet from the north shore to the south shore, ending where the former site of the Flavelle sawmill begins.

Rocky Point Park is 3.8 hectares. It is a popular destination as well as a starting point for boaters using the boat launch or people walking or cycling Shoreline Trail.

Features and amenities include:

• recreational pier
• outdoor pool (seasonal)
• skateboard park
• bike trials park (across Murray Street from the main parking lot)
• playground
• boat launch
• Old Mill Boat House – home to non-motorized boat groups and clubs
• Artists in the Park program – watch local artists in action (seasonal, weather permitting)
• access to hiking and biking trails
• wildlife viewing
• space for events/festivals and open-air concerts
• food vendors
• kayak/canoe rentals

Old Orchard Park Today

Old Orchard Park is classified as a city park, welcoming visitors from Port Moody and beyond. Its location on the north shore of the Port Moody Arm of Burrard Inlet makes it a popular destination as well as a starting point for people walking or cycling Shoreline Trail.

Old Orchard Park is just under two hectares. It connects to the larger Old Mill Site Park/Shoreline Park, which together cover 12.2 hectares.

Features and amenities include:

• Port Moody’s only swimming beach (salt-water)
• playground
• access to hiking and biking trails
• picnic area and group use of picnic shelter
• wildlife viewing
• marine recreational use
• use of the beach area for launching non-motorized boats (kayaks and stand-up paddleboards) – depending on tides