Recommended design concept for Rocky Point Park (Phase 3)
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.
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
2. re-envision an enhanced kids and youth zone with expanded play area, upgraded spray park, and upgraded youth area
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
4. re-imagine the waterfront with a central boardwalk, small watercraft amenities, and walkways over the mudflats
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.
Thank you for your contribution!
Help us reach out to more people in the community
Share this with family and friends