Live Project Mississauga-MOUNT CHARLES PARK DESIGN BREIF
Final Design Brief Live Project-Placemaking and the Public Realm
Submitted to:
City of Mississauga 12-04-2024
Brief Prepared by: Hatem Omran
MOUNT CHARLES PARK
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge the lands which constitute the present-day City of Mississauga as being part of the Treaty and Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Huron-Wendat and Wyandot Nations. We recognize these peoples and their ancestors as peoples who inhabited these lands since time immemorial. The City of Mississauga is home to many global Indigenous Peoples.
01 Introduction
In alignment with the Vision and Mission of Mississauga, the Recreation Plan aims to create opportunities for more people to connect through programs and services that meet the diverse needs of our communities. The Vision emphasizes fostering greater community engagement and inclusivity, ensuring that residents are connected and involved in recreational activities. The Mission focuses on supporting the health and wellbeing of Mississauga residents by keeping them active, engaged, and connected, in collaboration with the community. (Source: Future Direction - Recreational Plan, Final Report/City of Mississauga)
Guided by current trends in facility planning and design, the importance of multi-purpose spaces has been clearly recognized. These versatile spaces accommodate a wide range of activities, including meetings, youth and older adult programs, arts and crafts, community gatherings, and special events. Integrating multipurpose spaces within community facilities has become a best practice due to its operational efficiencies, including cross-programming, staffing, and construction. As a result, standalone program spaces are generally discouraged, as they are often underutilized, incur higher operational costs, and have limited program flexibility compared to multi-purpose spaces within community centers. (Source: Future DirectionRecreational Plan, Final Report/City of Mississauga)
In consideration of these principles, an assessment of Mount Charles Park was conducted, and recommendations were made to enhance the park's usability. These recommendations align with Mississauga's Vision and Mission, ensuring that the park better serves the community by improving its functionality and fostering greater engagement.
02 Background
Mount Charles Park is a small yet significant green space located in Mississauga, Ontario, within the Greater Toronto Area. While it may not be as widely recognized as some of the larger regional parks in the city, it plays a vital role in its local community, offering recreational amenities, natural beauty, and a historical backdrop that enriches the area's cultural heritage.
Location and Features
Situated in the Clarkson neighborhood of Mississauga, Mount Charles Park is easily accessible via Mount Charles Road and is surrounded by other local amenities. The park is nestled in a scenic, natural setting, featuring expansive green lawns, two softball fields, and walking paths. These paths lead to the well-known Etobicoke Creek Trail, which is especially popular among cyclists. The park's shaded areas provide a peaceful retreat, making it a favorite spot for local workers and visitors from the surrounding areas, including the borders between Brampton and Mississauga, to unwind, enjoy nature, or partake in light outdoor activities. The softball fields are in use on weekends and host a softball league tournament during the summer months, from April to September.
Mount Charles Park Location and Proximity
The map to the right highlights the park's proximity to several key landmarks. Mount Charles Park is located near King's Cemetery, a site of significant historical value. The park is also adjacent to other nearby parks, including a densely wooded area home to a variety of native species. Etobicoke Creek runs through the park from north to south, adding to its natural appeal. The park is situated close to Dixie Road, a major thoroughfare connecting Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon. Located at the outer edge of Mississauga, in the Malton area, the park is surrounded by an industrial zone with minimal residential development nearby. It is accessible through a single entrance at the southwest corner of the park, located off Cardiff Blvd.
Historical Significance
Mount Charles Park is closely tied to the history of King's Cemetery, which is the last remaining relic of the once-thriving village of Mount Charles. The cemetery was established between 1822 and 1832, though some evidence suggests it may have been in use even earlier, as there are no clear records of land registry documents from the period. The park, with its historical and natural features, offers a unique combination of recreational and cultural value for the local community.
Mount Charles Park is a small yet significant green space located in Mississauga, Ontario, within the Greater Toronto Area. While it may not be as widely recognized as some of the larger regional parks in the city, it plays a vital role in its local community, offering recreational amenities, natural beauty, and a historical backdrop that enriches the area's cultural heritage.
Location and Features
Situated in the Clarkson neighborhood of Mississauga, Mount Charles Park is easily accessible via Mount Charles Road and is surrounded by other local amenities. The park is nestled in a scenic, natural setting, featuring expansive green lawns, two softball fields, and walking paths. These paths lead to the well-known Etobicoke Creek Trail, which is especially popular among cyclists. The park's shaded areas provide a peaceful retreat, making it a favorite spot for local workers and visitors from the surrounding areas, including
the borders between Brampton and Mississauga, to unwind, enjoy nature, or partake in light outdoor activities. The softball fields are in use on weekends and host a softball league tournament during the summer months, from April to September.
Mount Charles Park Location and Proximity
The map to the right highlights the park's proximity to several key landmarks. Mount Charles Park is located near King's Cemetery, a site of significant historical value. The park is also adjacent to other nearby parks, including a densely wooded area home to a variety of native species. Etobicoke Creek runs through the park from north to south, adding to its natural appeal. The park is situated close to Dixie Road, a major thoroughfare connecting Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon. Located at the outer edge of Mississauga, in the Malton area, the park is surrounded by an industrial zone with minimal residential development nearby. It is accessible through a single entrance at the southwest corner of the park, located off Cardiff Blvd.
Historical Significance
Mount Charles Park is closely tied to the history of King's Cemetery, which is the last remaining relic of the once-thriving village of Mount Charles. The cemetery was established between 1822 and 1832, though some evidence suggests it may have been in use even earlier, as there are no clear records of land registry documents from the period. The park, with its historical and natural features, offers a unique combination of recreational and cultural value for the local community.
Mount Charles Park is a small yet significant green space located in Mississauga, Ontario, within the Greater Toronto Area. While it may not be as widely recognized as some of the larger regional parks in the city, it plays a vital role in its local community, offering recreational amenities, natural beauty, and a historical backdrop that enriches the area's cultural heritage.
03 Surrounding Conditions
Mount Charles Park is situated in an area predominantly surrounded by industrial buildings, with limited residential development nearby. The park is directly adjacent to the Etobicoke Creek, offering a natural and scenic backdrop. To the west, it borders Kiratpur Park.
The park itself features expansive green open spaces, mature trees, and grassy areas, making it a pleasant environment for recreation. While Mount Charles Park is not directly served by major transportation routes, it is accessible via local transit from the nearby Dixie Road. The area around the park is mostly devoid of commercial or shopping amenities, contributing to its tranquil, nature-focused setting.
To the north of the park, a hydro lines corridor runs through the area. On Dixie Road, just a short distance away, you will find several facilities, including an indoor soccer field, a religious facility, and a hotel. Notably, the Etobicoke Bicycle Recreation Trail begins at Mount Charles Park and stretches westward for 7 km, terminating at Kennedy Road.
The park itself is equipped with two softball fields, a washroom facility, and a parking lot that accommodates up to 42 vehicles, providing essential amenities for park visitors.
Kiratpur Park, located directly on Dixie Road, features several distinct place-making elements, such as an interlocking walkway, public art installations, hanging signage, a gazebo, seating furniture, and an arched gate that serves as a prominent gateway to the park.
04
Community Context
Mount Charles Park is located in an industrial area, surrounded on the west and south sides by various commercial, warehouse, and industrial activities. Some of the immediate businesses near the park include:
• Best Bargaining Carpet and Flooring
• Star Auto Glass Mississauga
• Leone Fence Group of Companies
• East Coast Diesel
• Namaha Transport Services
• G.P.S. Decor
• Trans X
Natural Boundaries
To the northeast, Mount Charles Park is bordered by the meandering Etobicoke Creek, which also connects to Kiratpur Park downstream, enhancing the park's natural environment and offering a scenic backdrop.
Current Park Uses
Mount Charles Park is primarily used during the summer months for softball league tournaments, running from mid-April to the end of September. The park becomes very busy during the tournament season, with players and their families filling both softball fields. On a regular game day, the park sees between 200 and 250 visitors at various times throughout the day. Additionally, the park serves as a gateway to the Etobicoke Creek Bicycle Trail, frequently used by cyclists and micro-mobility users.
Current Park Design Issues
• Entrance: The park’s entrance is narrow, with the washroom building located at the entry point, which can create congestion during busy periods.
• Parking: During peak times, the parking lot is often full, leading to double parking and obstructed vehicle movement. This results in restricted access to and from the park.
• Paths and Bike Lane: There is a single mixed-use path leading from the main street to the Etobicoke Creek Recreational Bike Trail. However, this path is limited and could be expanded to better accommodate all users.
• Lighting: While the softball fields are well-lit, other areas of the park lack adequate lighting, which affects safety and accessibility, particularly in unlit sections of the park and along the paths.
• Emergency Vehicle Access: During peak season, emergency vehicles may be unable to access the park directly due to the crowded parking lot, forcing them to remain on the main road.
• Seating: The park lacks sufficient seating for both the softball audience and general park users who are not attending games. More seating options are needed to improve the park's accessibility and comfort for all visitors.
Alignment with Mississauga's Commitment
As outlined in the Mississauga's Commitment section of the City’s Sustainability Plan (Appendix E, page 15), the city envisions becoming a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable urban environment that prioritizes creativity, innovation, safety, and cultural diversity. To achieve these goals, Mississauga is committed to making decisions that balance social equity, environmental protection, and economic viability, ensuring future generations thrive while meeting their own needs. The city also aligns its plans with global initiatives like the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Recommendations for Park Improvements
In keeping with Mississauga’s commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive public spaces, the following improvements are recommended for Mount Charles Park:
• Vibrant Public Space: Create a dynamic, inclusive public space that integrates athletic areas with natural healing elements, focusing on wellness, particularly for individuals with diabetes.
• Expanded Programming: Introduce more programming to cater to a diverse range of users from different backgrounds, encouraging increased engagement with the park.
• Improved Seating Areas: Add more seating that is both functional and visible from the street, ensuring it is accessible to park users and passersby.
• Service Area Location: Position service areas in appropriate spots to ensure ease of access without compromising park aesthetics or accessibility.
• Enhanced Entrance: Expand the park entrance and create a dedicated landing zone for vendor vehicles to facilitate smoother access during events.
• Parking and Lighting Upgrades: Increase parking capacity and improve lighting throughout the park to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall user experience.
• Pathway and Stormwater Management: Improve mixed-use sidewalks and pathways, incorporating sustainable stormwater management systems and better lighting to enhance mobility and safety for all visitors.
These proposed improvements align with the city’s long-term vision to create more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant public spaces that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
05 Design Consideration and Analysis
The design considerations and analysis focus on two key objectives:
1. Enhancing Existing Programming Areas: This involves improving the current programming spaces and strategically repositioning service and utility zones in alignment with placemaking principles.
2. Introducing New Programs and Activities: This aims to incorporate additional programming that maximizes the park’s potential, ensuring it aligns with the City of Mississauga’s Vision Statement and mission initiatives.
The integration of an outdoor activity zone in Mount Charles Park will serve as a therapeutic initiative for individuals with diabetes and those experiencing fatigue from long workdays. This designated area will offer a natural healing space, providing much-needed sunlight and fresh air for workers in the surrounding area. The concept behind this initiative is supported by the findings in the article Impact and Cost-effectiveness of Family Fitness Zones: A Natural Experiment in Urban Public Parks, which highlights the benefits of such spaces in promoting health and well-being.
Existing Site
Mount Charles Park, situated at 1265 Cardiff Blvd, Mississauga, features two lit softball diamonds and a parking area conveniently located near the entrance.
A washroom facility is positioned adjacent to the park entrance for easy access.
The entrance to the Etobicoke Creek Trail could be enhanced with improved wayfinding signage and a well-lit pathway, making it more inviting and accessible.
The softball diamond area would benefit from additional seating for spectators, providing a more comfortable experience for those attending games.
There is a clear need for more park amenities, including seating areas, open spaces for recreation, and improved lighting to enhance the park’s accessibility and safety.
Additionally, the wooded areas within the park offer an opportunity for potential future development, which could further expand the park's amenities and attract more visitors.
Figure 1 Existing plan for Mount Charles Park
06
Proposed Design
Mount Charles Park has the potential to be transformed into a lively and vibrant destination with a few key additions. The design considerations outlined in this report focus on creating an inclusive, functional, and visually appealing space that caters to the needs of all users while harmonizing with its natural surroundings.
Legend
1 -Vendors Zone
2 - Open Space
3 - Open Gym
4 - Seating Area
5 -Softball Diamond
6 - Basketball Court
7 - Restroom
8 - Bike Stand
9 - Car Parking
Open Gym and Play court
This design concept seeks to revitalize the park, enhancing its functionality and appeal by supporting a diverse range of activities while prioritizing comfort, accessibility, and community engagement. Proposed improvements include the addition of new sports facilities, such as basketball courts, and upgraded seating at the existing baseball field.
Additionally, an open gym space will be introduced to promote fitness and wellness, further enriching the park's offerings for visitors.
This design concept aims to rejuvenate the park, enhancing its functionality and visual appeal by supporting a wide variety of activities, all while prioritizing comfort, accessibility, and community engagement.
Proposed upgrades include the addition of new sports facilities, such as basketball courts, and improved seating at the existing baseball field.
Furthermore, an open gym area will be incorporated to encourage fitness and wellness, further enriching the park's offerings and fostering a healthier community environment.
Wayfinding signage
Signage at the park entrance will guide visitors to easily discover amenities, plan their activities, and navigate the space. Additionally, the signage will include information about nearby bus stops, ensuring convenient access to public transit for all visitors.
Figure 2 Proposed Master plan for Mount Charles Park
Figure 3 Wayfinding Signage
Seating Area
Portable and flexible seating areas have been designed for ease of use, allowing for versatile configurations. Tables will be placed alongside these seating areas, offering an ideal space for workers to enjoy their lunch. Additionally, shelters will be incorporated to protect users from the elements, ensuring a comfortable experience in any weather.
Entrance and Walkway - Etobicoke Creek Trail
The entrance to the creek can be emphasized, as shown in the image below, and it is highly recommended to provide a bike rack near the entrance for added convenience.
The Etobicoke Creek Trail could benefit from improved lighting, particularly at night, with enhanced street lighting and a luminous pathway. This would create a safer and more welcoming environment for users.
Figure 4 Portable Seatings
Figure 5 Redesigned Entrance to Etobicoke Creek Trail.
07 Pop-ups Potential
The City of Mississauga’s Strategic Plan (Appendix C, Page 5) outlines key goals, including:
• Creating Great Public Spaces – Providing opportunities for all to enjoy exceptional parks, plazas, and unique natural environments.
• Celebrating Our Community – Embracing our history, taking pride in our diversity, and fostering excitement for the future by celebrating our uniqueness and innovation through art and culture.
Areas 1 and 2, marked on the map to the left, represent prime locations within the park for introducing new vending activities and public gatherings in open, easily accessible spaces. These areas can be programmed to host regular festivals during the softball season, generating economic revenue and transforming the park into a vibrant public space in the heart of the industrial area. This initiative will provide an engaging and welcoming environment for the local workforce to regularly come together and celebrate under convenient and enjoyable conditions.
• A designated area for food trucks and dining near the entrance can help attract more visitors to the park.
• The addition of picnic tables for an outdoor dining experience will enhance the park's inviting atmosphere, making it livelier and more accessible.
• This space will also serve as a convenient spot for people working in nearby buildings to enjoy their lunch or take a quick break.
• A well-defined walkway within the park will ensure easy and clear access, allowing visitors to seamlessly move between different spaces.
08 Conclusion
In conclusion, Mount Charles Park is already a popular destination for specific groups such as softball league players and cyclists, who enjoy its existing programming and recreational opportunities. However, despite this niche usage, the park remains underutilized in terms of broader community engagement. The park has a wealth of untapped potential that, if activated properly, could transform it into a much more vibrant and inclusive space for a wider range of users.
One significant aspect that makes Mount Charles Park unique is its hidden historical value. The park is connected to the historic King’s Cemetery, a testament to the past that has yet to be fully celebrated or integrated into the park's current offerings. By bringing attention to this historical connection, the park could be transformed into a local historical site, offering educational and cultural experiences that would enrich the City of Mississauga's community and heritage tourism initiatives. This would not only celebrate the city’s history but also attract visitors who appreciate its cultural significance, creating a stronger sense of identity for both locals and tourists alike.
Additionally, the park's location near a large workforce provides another compelling opportunity for enhancing its role in the community. Many workers in the surrounding industrial area have limited access to green space during the workday. By transforming Mount Charles Park into a central location for these workers to relax, take breaks, or engage in outdoor activities, the park could become an essential part of their daily routine. Its natural resources such as green lawns, shaded areas, and proximity to the Etobicoke Creek offer an ideal setting for mental and physical rejuvenation, particularly for those who spend long hours in industrial or office environments.
Furthermore, the addition of approved vendors or food trucks could open up an exciting economic opportunity for the park, providing visitors with convenient access to refreshments while also generating revenue. This would create a dynamic, self-sustaining ecosystem within the park, where economic, social, and recreational activities all work together to enhance the park’s appeal. Vendor participation could also foster a sense of community, as local food providers and businesses could become part of the park’s identity, offering visitors unique food options and contributing to the overall experience.
As the park becomes a central hub for both the local community and the surrounding workforce, the incorporation of strategic programming and improvements would support the park’s future sustainability and growth. Placemaking efforts, such as the development of flexible spaces for public events, cultural celebrations, and local festivals, would further activate the park, attracting diverse groups of people throughout the year. These events would not only provide recreational activities for park visitors but also create a sense of belonging and pride within the community.
In summary, Mount Charles Park holds tremendous potential to evolve into a dynamic, multi-purpose space that serves the diverse needs of its community. By capitalizing on its historical value, proximity to the workforce, and opportunities for economic development, the park can become a central and beloved destination for residents and workers alike. Through thoughtful planning and programming, Mount Charles Park can be transformed into a sustainable, vibrant space that supports the health, well-being, and cultural identity of Mississauga for years to come.
City of Mississauga Future Directions: Culture Plan 2024 report
The History of Mississauga’s “King” — Modern Mississauga Media
Outdoor Fitness Equipment in Urban Parks: Public Use, Perceived Benefit and Suggested Enhancements
Jennifer L. Copeland1, Cheryl Currie2, Ali Walker2, Erin Mason2, Taura Willoughby1 and Ashley Amson2 1Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Lethbridge 2 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge
Centers for Disease Control. (2011). The CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase Physical Activity in the Community. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/PA_2011_WEB.pdf
