It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Completed in April 2010, the Kelso Beach Park Master Plan describes the state of the 9.12 hectare urban waterfront park. The Plan was commissioned for guidance on future development that recognizes the many of uses, respects the natural beach environment, and plans for future use.
What the study found
The study makes 7 general recommendations, and includes an overall plan for the site.
Key recommendations are the development of a splash pad at the south end of Kelso Beach Park (completed in 2012), a program to control Common Reed Grass (Phragmites australis) along the shoreline, electrical system upgrades to host more regional scale events, and the development of several features that pay homage to the history of First Nations and marine shipping in the City of Owen Sound.
Schematic park design
A design for future development at Kelso Beach Park included in the study shows the potential:
Feature
Description
Main Entry (19th Ave. Intersection)
Realign and widen
Prominent signage
Additional formal entrances at the north and south of the park
Parking
Relocate to former rail lands and increase by 135 spaces
Lighting for parking areas recommended
The centre core
Realign and formalize central walkway to direct visual focus to the beach
Clean out basin to eradicate Phragmites and repair fountain
Pedestrian walkway system
Create a 3 level hierarchy of barrier free walkways ranging from 3m wide to 1.2 m wide
Improve walkway lighting
Integrate with centre core walkway
The Amphitheatre (and Musical Arts Pavilion)
Repair retaining walls and tiered seating
Repair existing stage and shelter roof
Change use from formal picnics to unstructured use and music centred activities like coffee house jams
The beach
Beach restoration and increase beach slope below and above water line
Move walkway towards beach and away from musical arts pavilion
Renovate washroom
Family fun area
Concentrate family oriented activities near the existing playground
Develop reclaimed former parking lot around existing gazebo as natural playground for families and child focused group activities
South washroom
New barrier-free washroom facility near splashpad
The Pottawatomi Healing Trail
Extend north riverbank to direct outflow farther into the bay
Restore shoreline to natural shore wetland
'Piyak Ooithi' or ' 'One Heart' memorial garden
Realign path and create a sacred fire and ceremony site for aboriginal peoples
The river Warf
Recreate historic Warf at the mouth of the Pottawatomi to create a fishing platform and paddle craft landing and tie off
The Grove
Remove damaged stage platform
Leave two columns with existing plaques and place octagonal flagstone pavers as markers for removed columns
Plant shade trees to create a grove
The playing fields
Refurbish soccer field
Replace ball diamond backstops, bleachers and players benches
Create berms around playing field to create definition from the rest of the park
The boathouse concession
Construct an architectural feature that could house a concession and paddle craft rental facility.
