Centennial Park Improvements - 2021

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Consultation has concluded

Background 
Created in the 1950s, this first major public green space was named in honour of Canada’s Centennial anniversary in 1967.

Not surprisingly, as Moncton’s population grew, the park evolved over the years. The sports field and tennis courts were added, the initial playground has been replaced in the past decade for more inclusive structures, and the splash pad has long been a popular attraction.

In summer 2020, the new Centennial Pool was opened in a different location (near the Rotary Pavilion).

For 2021, two important projects are planned:

  • Enhancements at the main entrance, i.e. refurbishment of the transportation monuments and addition of an action sports park (for skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes and roller blades). *Zone 1
  • Repurposing of the former pool site (also known as the ‘lower bowl’) *Zone 3 
    • Details on both projects can be found further below. 
    • The Lower Bowl project is the immediate priority, with more planning needed for the work in Zone 1. Stay tuned! 

March 2021 Update: 

In December we asked for your input on the Centennial Park lower bowl landscape improvement project. Thanks to your feedback, and these are the proposed amenities:

  • A skating trail including an inner loop for beginners and programmable lighting. This area will be used as a walking trail and a green space during the warmer months.
  • An improved sliding hill with a plowed return trail
  • A pond lookout including seating and shelter
  • Using the Kaboom rink as 2 basketball courts during the warmer months
  • Replacing the existing bridge connecting to Colvert Trail.


About the Main Entrance (zone 1) 

There are two components to the work planned for the Main Entrance (Zone 1):

  1. Landscaping and refurbishment of the monuments
  2. Action Sports Park

About the Monuments 

City Council has approved the funding for the refurbishment of the prominent artifacts at the St. George Blvd. entrance to Centennial Park, as described below:

  • The anchor from the escort aircraft carrier HMCS Magnificent. It was presented to the City of Moncton by Rear Admiral D.S. Boyle CD on behalf of Maritime Command on August 11, 1974.
  • A Sherman tank called “Coriano”, painted with the tactical signs of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise), was presented to the City of Moncton by Brigadier General S.V. Radley-Walters DSO MC CD, on behalf of the Regiment on May 14, 1972. “Coriano” is one of the Regiment’s battle honours from the Italian Campaign.
  • The CF 100 Mark 5 (Canuck Aircraft) Serial 18488 was first test flown on August 31, 1955 and its last flight occurred on April 20, 1966. This monument was unveiled on August 14, 1966.
  • In addition to military equipment, a 5240 Locomotive with coal tender sits under a canopy to protect it from the elements.

The objectives of the refurbishment of the monuments are to:

  • address any areas of corrosion;
  • repair or replace any structural materials;
  • repaint and refinish to their former glory.

Adjustments and improvements to the landscaping, pathways and connections to St. George Blvd. will also be part of the project.

About the Action Sports Park 

In the fall 2019, City Council adopted the Moncton Action Sports Park Strategy. This location in the green space at the Main Entrance was identified as the most preferred site in the city for a new plaza-style multi-season feature, with integrated landscaping to compliment the existing active play activities in Centennial Park. In initial discussions with nearby stakeholders, this site also has the potential to encourage new participants for various sports in the park.

The City is seeking the public’s input to help create a vision of a multi-use space for skateboarding, scootering, biking and inline skating, which could be multipurpose. The project would not impact existing trees and would consider new plantings along with amenities to create a buffer with the existing lawn bowling courts.

About the Lower Bowl (Zone 3) 

The Centennial Park lower bowl was home to the first outdoor pool in the City of Moncton. Built in the 1950’s, and spearheaded by a non-profit organization called Playtime Projects Inc., with the support of local service clubs, the state-of-the-art $40,000 facility served the community until 1982.

In 1984, ‘Centennial Beach’ was constructed and served the community up until 2017 when it was closed due to flood damages and it was determined that the pool structure was beyond repair. (In 2020, the new $5.5 million pool opened in a new location (15 Rotary Lodge Lane) outside of the flood-prone area.)

The lower bowl is also home to a basketball court, bandstand, gazebo, bridge, sliding hill, trails and Tree-Go. Historically, the pond was used as a skating oval; however, due to climate change and unstable ice conditions, other areas in the park were developed for skating.

Flood resiliency
Due to the many varied uses of the area over the years what remains today is a mix of remnant infrastructure that does not have a cohesive flow or sense of meaning. As an area that is prone to significant flooding events that are expected to continue for the foreseeable future any infrastructure to remain or to be built in this zone must be flood resilient. As such, we need to be creative on how to improve the area.

Key Constraints: electrical access or buildings cannot be built within the flood zone, and any landscaping or amenities must be able to withstand severe flooding events.

Required work 
Some elements of this project must be completed due to the above-noted constraints:

  • Moving the gazebo to a more user-friendly and flood-resistant spot;
  • Removing the bandstand (temporary stages can be brought in for events when needed);
  • Replacing the bridge that connects this space to Colvert Trail (around the oval pond). This will have a longer span to improve water flow from Jonathan Creek into Centennial Pond.

Ideas for consideration
The City of Moncton is seeking the public’s input to develop a plan for the improvement of the lower bowl space. Here are some ideas received so far from consultants and the public:

  • Repurposing the trail around the perimeter of the Lower Bowl (3-3.5 m wide), along with a couple of smaller loops, as a skating trail;
  • Maintain some open green space for improvised play within the bowl area, along with planting of natural meadow vegetation.
  • Removing the basketball court from its current location, and bringing it up the hill near the playground and canteen. 
  • Building a shelter with seating in the former boathouse location, overlooking the oval pond and island.

Background 
Created in the 1950s, this first major public green space was named in honour of Canada’s Centennial anniversary in 1967.

Not surprisingly, as Moncton’s population grew, the park evolved over the years. The sports field and tennis courts were added, the initial playground has been replaced in the past decade for more inclusive structures, and the splash pad has long been a popular attraction.

In summer 2020, the new Centennial Pool was opened in a different location (near the Rotary Pavilion).

For 2021, two important projects are planned:

  • Enhancements at the main entrance, i.e. refurbishment of the transportation monuments and addition of an action sports park (for skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes and roller blades). *Zone 1
  • Repurposing of the former pool site (also known as the ‘lower bowl’) *Zone 3 
    • Details on both projects can be found further below. 
    • The Lower Bowl project is the immediate priority, with more planning needed for the work in Zone 1. Stay tuned! 

March 2021 Update: 

In December we asked for your input on the Centennial Park lower bowl landscape improvement project. Thanks to your feedback, and these are the proposed amenities:

  • A skating trail including an inner loop for beginners and programmable lighting. This area will be used as a walking trail and a green space during the warmer months.
  • An improved sliding hill with a plowed return trail
  • A pond lookout including seating and shelter
  • Using the Kaboom rink as 2 basketball courts during the warmer months
  • Replacing the existing bridge connecting to Colvert Trail.


About the Main Entrance (zone 1) 

There are two components to the work planned for the Main Entrance (Zone 1):

  1. Landscaping and refurbishment of the monuments
  2. Action Sports Park

About the Monuments 

City Council has approved the funding for the refurbishment of the prominent artifacts at the St. George Blvd. entrance to Centennial Park, as described below:

  • The anchor from the escort aircraft carrier HMCS Magnificent. It was presented to the City of Moncton by Rear Admiral D.S. Boyle CD on behalf of Maritime Command on August 11, 1974.
  • A Sherman tank called “Coriano”, painted with the tactical signs of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise), was presented to the City of Moncton by Brigadier General S.V. Radley-Walters DSO MC CD, on behalf of the Regiment on May 14, 1972. “Coriano” is one of the Regiment’s battle honours from the Italian Campaign.
  • The CF 100 Mark 5 (Canuck Aircraft) Serial 18488 was first test flown on August 31, 1955 and its last flight occurred on April 20, 1966. This monument was unveiled on August 14, 1966.
  • In addition to military equipment, a 5240 Locomotive with coal tender sits under a canopy to protect it from the elements.

The objectives of the refurbishment of the monuments are to:

  • address any areas of corrosion;
  • repair or replace any structural materials;
  • repaint and refinish to their former glory.

Adjustments and improvements to the landscaping, pathways and connections to St. George Blvd. will also be part of the project.

About the Action Sports Park 

In the fall 2019, City Council adopted the Moncton Action Sports Park Strategy. This location in the green space at the Main Entrance was identified as the most preferred site in the city for a new plaza-style multi-season feature, with integrated landscaping to compliment the existing active play activities in Centennial Park. In initial discussions with nearby stakeholders, this site also has the potential to encourage new participants for various sports in the park.

The City is seeking the public’s input to help create a vision of a multi-use space for skateboarding, scootering, biking and inline skating, which could be multipurpose. The project would not impact existing trees and would consider new plantings along with amenities to create a buffer with the existing lawn bowling courts.

About the Lower Bowl (Zone 3) 

The Centennial Park lower bowl was home to the first outdoor pool in the City of Moncton. Built in the 1950’s, and spearheaded by a non-profit organization called Playtime Projects Inc., with the support of local service clubs, the state-of-the-art $40,000 facility served the community until 1982.

In 1984, ‘Centennial Beach’ was constructed and served the community up until 2017 when it was closed due to flood damages and it was determined that the pool structure was beyond repair. (In 2020, the new $5.5 million pool opened in a new location (15 Rotary Lodge Lane) outside of the flood-prone area.)

The lower bowl is also home to a basketball court, bandstand, gazebo, bridge, sliding hill, trails and Tree-Go. Historically, the pond was used as a skating oval; however, due to climate change and unstable ice conditions, other areas in the park were developed for skating.

Flood resiliency
Due to the many varied uses of the area over the years what remains today is a mix of remnant infrastructure that does not have a cohesive flow or sense of meaning. As an area that is prone to significant flooding events that are expected to continue for the foreseeable future any infrastructure to remain or to be built in this zone must be flood resilient. As such, we need to be creative on how to improve the area.

Key Constraints: electrical access or buildings cannot be built within the flood zone, and any landscaping or amenities must be able to withstand severe flooding events.

Required work 
Some elements of this project must be completed due to the above-noted constraints:

  • Moving the gazebo to a more user-friendly and flood-resistant spot;
  • Removing the bandstand (temporary stages can be brought in for events when needed);
  • Replacing the bridge that connects this space to Colvert Trail (around the oval pond). This will have a longer span to improve water flow from Jonathan Creek into Centennial Pond.

Ideas for consideration
The City of Moncton is seeking the public’s input to develop a plan for the improvement of the lower bowl space. Here are some ideas received so far from consultants and the public:

  • Repurposing the trail around the perimeter of the Lower Bowl (3-3.5 m wide), along with a couple of smaller loops, as a skating trail;
  • Maintain some open green space for improvised play within the bowl area, along with planting of natural meadow vegetation.
  • Removing the basketball court from its current location, and bringing it up the hill near the playground and canteen. 
  • Building a shelter with seating in the former boathouse location, overlooking the oval pond and island.
Consultation has concluded

Thanks for your interest in the Centennial Park Improvement project!

Feel free to submit your question(s)/comment(s) here; a response will be provided either publicly or privately.

  • Share Is there any chance of bringing back the constantly flowing log fountain that was located at the beginning of the lower bowl, just down the hill from the canteen? That was a staple of most Monctonians' childhoods and would be great to see active again. It's an easy, non-expensive, and practical implementation that would have a substantial positive impact with the community. on Facebook Share Is there any chance of bringing back the constantly flowing log fountain that was located at the beginning of the lower bowl, just down the hill from the canteen? That was a staple of most Monctonians' childhoods and would be great to see active again. It's an easy, non-expensive, and practical implementation that would have a substantial positive impact with the community. on Twitter Share Is there any chance of bringing back the constantly flowing log fountain that was located at the beginning of the lower bowl, just down the hill from the canteen? That was a staple of most Monctonians' childhoods and would be great to see active again. It's an easy, non-expensive, and practical implementation that would have a substantial positive impact with the community. on Linkedin Email Is there any chance of bringing back the constantly flowing log fountain that was located at the beginning of the lower bowl, just down the hill from the canteen? That was a staple of most Monctonians' childhoods and would be great to see active again. It's an easy, non-expensive, and practical implementation that would have a substantial positive impact with the community. link

    Is there any chance of bringing back the constantly flowing log fountain that was located at the beginning of the lower bowl, just down the hill from the canteen? That was a staple of most Monctonians' childhoods and would be great to see active again. It's an easy, non-expensive, and practical implementation that would have a substantial positive impact with the community.

    Keef asked over 2 years ago

    Good afternoon, 

    Thank you for your feedback!

    The work in the lower bowl is scheduled to be completed in the next few weeks. We will pass along your feedback for future consideration. 

    Kind regards,
    Michelle 

  • Share Will the monuments at the entrance be fully refurbished before Winter 2021? on Facebook Share Will the monuments at the entrance be fully refurbished before Winter 2021? on Twitter Share Will the monuments at the entrance be fully refurbished before Winter 2021? on Linkedin Email Will the monuments at the entrance be fully refurbished before Winter 2021? link

    Will the monuments at the entrance be fully refurbished before Winter 2021?

    Keef asked over 2 years ago

    Good afternoon, 

    Thank you for your question. 

    The monuments are now scheduled to be refurbished in 2022. 

    Kind regards,
    Michelle 

  • Share When will the pool be open this year on Facebook Share When will the pool be open this year on Twitter Share When will the pool be open this year on Linkedin Email When will the pool be open this year link

    When will the pool be open this year

    Jeannette asked about 3 years ago

    Hello, 

    Outdoor municipal pools, located at Centennial Park and the East End pool (Fergus Street), open each year the Saturday in June following school closure for summer. This year, this would mean June 26. 

    Same applies to splash pads in our neighbourhood parks; however, if the weather cooperates, some of these may open earlier. You can check the interactive playground map for the most up-to-date information:

    https://moncton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=4742be87dae742e9939925aa2c8c9d1c 

    Kind regards,
    Nicole

  • Share I am a long time cross country skier. This past winter I have skied 6 different groomed trails in eastern NB. Moncton’s has been consistently the poorest which has been the pattern for the past few years. My number 1 concern is ice build-up on the trails. In a number of spots the trails need to be ditched/cross drainage. This is relatively low cost and could be easily added to proposed work(?). These icy spots are hard to navigate and are dangerous especially to new skiers! If you want to encourage new skiers this should be done. Grooming can be much improve too, (simply have someone visit Dieppe trails) but start with the ditching!!!! Does Moncton have a group of dedicated skiers that could on Facebook Share I am a long time cross country skier. This past winter I have skied 6 different groomed trails in eastern NB. Moncton’s has been consistently the poorest which has been the pattern for the past few years. My number 1 concern is ice build-up on the trails. In a number of spots the trails need to be ditched/cross drainage. This is relatively low cost and could be easily added to proposed work(?). These icy spots are hard to navigate and are dangerous especially to new skiers! If you want to encourage new skiers this should be done. Grooming can be much improve too, (simply have someone visit Dieppe trails) but start with the ditching!!!! Does Moncton have a group of dedicated skiers that could on Twitter Share I am a long time cross country skier. This past winter I have skied 6 different groomed trails in eastern NB. Moncton’s has been consistently the poorest which has been the pattern for the past few years. My number 1 concern is ice build-up on the trails. In a number of spots the trails need to be ditched/cross drainage. This is relatively low cost and could be easily added to proposed work(?). These icy spots are hard to navigate and are dangerous especially to new skiers! If you want to encourage new skiers this should be done. Grooming can be much improve too, (simply have someone visit Dieppe trails) but start with the ditching!!!! Does Moncton have a group of dedicated skiers that could on Linkedin Email I am a long time cross country skier. This past winter I have skied 6 different groomed trails in eastern NB. Moncton’s has been consistently the poorest which has been the pattern for the past few years. My number 1 concern is ice build-up on the trails. In a number of spots the trails need to be ditched/cross drainage. This is relatively low cost and could be easily added to proposed work(?). These icy spots are hard to navigate and are dangerous especially to new skiers! If you want to encourage new skiers this should be done. Grooming can be much improve too, (simply have someone visit Dieppe trails) but start with the ditching!!!! Does Moncton have a group of dedicated skiers that could link

    I am a long time cross country skier. This past winter I have skied 6 different groomed trails in eastern NB. Moncton’s has been consistently the poorest which has been the pattern for the past few years. My number 1 concern is ice build-up on the trails. In a number of spots the trails need to be ditched/cross drainage. This is relatively low cost and could be easily added to proposed work(?). These icy spots are hard to navigate and are dangerous especially to new skiers! If you want to encourage new skiers this should be done. Grooming can be much improve too, (simply have someone visit Dieppe trails) but start with the ditching!!!! Does Moncton have a group of dedicated skiers that could

    Jim T asked about 3 years ago

    Hello, 

    Thank you for your comments. 

    We do acknowledge that the trails require upgrades and that is on the long range plans; however, this isn't part of this project. We have conducted an engineering analysis of conditions to better understand the required remedies and funding requirements, but a full storm water analysis also needs to be completed prior to any works being performed. 

    The trail systems in different communities have different attributes which provide unique challenges, opportunities and experiences.

    Kind regards,
    Nicole

  • Share Consideration needs to be given to transportation to access the park by residents without vehicles. I grew up spending lots of time enjoying the park but now as a senior without a vehicle, it is impossible to go there anymore. I miss the park, in all the beautiful 4 seasons. Public transportation to the Entrance is essential. on Facebook Share Consideration needs to be given to transportation to access the park by residents without vehicles. I grew up spending lots of time enjoying the park but now as a senior without a vehicle, it is impossible to go there anymore. I miss the park, in all the beautiful 4 seasons. Public transportation to the Entrance is essential. on Twitter Share Consideration needs to be given to transportation to access the park by residents without vehicles. I grew up spending lots of time enjoying the park but now as a senior without a vehicle, it is impossible to go there anymore. I miss the park, in all the beautiful 4 seasons. Public transportation to the Entrance is essential. on Linkedin Email Consideration needs to be given to transportation to access the park by residents without vehicles. I grew up spending lots of time enjoying the park but now as a senior without a vehicle, it is impossible to go there anymore. I miss the park, in all the beautiful 4 seasons. Public transportation to the Entrance is essential. link

    Consideration needs to be given to transportation to access the park by residents without vehicles. I grew up spending lots of time enjoying the park but now as a senior without a vehicle, it is impossible to go there anymore. I miss the park, in all the beautiful 4 seasons. Public transportation to the Entrance is essential.

    Carol Fownes asked about 3 years ago

    Hello,
    We wholeheartedly agree that public transportation is essential. Bus # 60 (Bessborough) stops on St. George Blvd near Dickson Blvd, and there is a crosswalk at this location bringing you directly into the Park.

    For more info: https://app.codiactranspo.ca/RouteMap 

    Kind regards,
    Nicole



  • Share Check out the website for Gage Park in Brampton Ontario. They have a wonderful walking/rollerblading trail for the summer and a groomed skate trail in the winter. This walkway meanders through trees, flower beds and open grassed areas. It is also lit up in the winter for skating. on Facebook Share Check out the website for Gage Park in Brampton Ontario. They have a wonderful walking/rollerblading trail for the summer and a groomed skate trail in the winter. This walkway meanders through trees, flower beds and open grassed areas. It is also lit up in the winter for skating. on Twitter Share Check out the website for Gage Park in Brampton Ontario. They have a wonderful walking/rollerblading trail for the summer and a groomed skate trail in the winter. This walkway meanders through trees, flower beds and open grassed areas. It is also lit up in the winter for skating. on Linkedin Email Check out the website for Gage Park in Brampton Ontario. They have a wonderful walking/rollerblading trail for the summer and a groomed skate trail in the winter. This walkway meanders through trees, flower beds and open grassed areas. It is also lit up in the winter for skating. link

    Check out the website for Gage Park in Brampton Ontario. They have a wonderful walking/rollerblading trail for the summer and a groomed skate trail in the winter. This walkway meanders through trees, flower beds and open grassed areas. It is also lit up in the winter for skating.

    DMead asked about 3 years ago

    Hello,
    Thank you for this inspiration. It has been forwarded to the project team. 

    Kind regards,
    Nicole

  • Share Is the trail around the pond to be accessible. At the moment I don’t know if I can get to it using my walker. Places need to be accessed for all. on Facebook Share Is the trail around the pond to be accessible. At the moment I don’t know if I can get to it using my walker. Places need to be accessed for all. on Twitter Share Is the trail around the pond to be accessible. At the moment I don’t know if I can get to it using my walker. Places need to be accessed for all. on Linkedin Email Is the trail around the pond to be accessible. At the moment I don’t know if I can get to it using my walker. Places need to be accessed for all. link

    Is the trail around the pond to be accessible. At the moment I don’t know if I can get to it using my walker. Places need to be accessed for all.

    Kathleen asked about 3 years ago

    Hello,
    And thank you for your feedback. Accessibility is definitely a primary consideration for this project. At times during the construction period, however, that trail may be blocked or detoured for safety reasons. 

    Kind regards,
    Nicole

  • Share Would it be possible to permanently (cemented -in) add benches for seating nearer to the sliding hill? Presently there is nothing. Watching the kids slide would be much more enjoyable from a bench! on Facebook Share Would it be possible to permanently (cemented -in) add benches for seating nearer to the sliding hill? Presently there is nothing. Watching the kids slide would be much more enjoyable from a bench! on Twitter Share Would it be possible to permanently (cemented -in) add benches for seating nearer to the sliding hill? Presently there is nothing. Watching the kids slide would be much more enjoyable from a bench! on Linkedin Email Would it be possible to permanently (cemented -in) add benches for seating nearer to the sliding hill? Presently there is nothing. Watching the kids slide would be much more enjoyable from a bench! link

    Would it be possible to permanently (cemented -in) add benches for seating nearer to the sliding hill? Presently there is nothing. Watching the kids slide would be much more enjoyable from a bench!

    mimi78 asked about 3 years ago

    Hello,

    Thank you for the suggestion. It has been forwarded to the Parks team working on the project.

    Kind regards,
    Nicole

  • Share I meant to include this in my survey submission. Have you looked at Matthew Mazzotta's work in urban/park/art disciplines? He's in NL and might be a useful inspiration. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/matthew-mazzotta-atlantic-voice-1.5715434 on Facebook Share I meant to include this in my survey submission. Have you looked at Matthew Mazzotta's work in urban/park/art disciplines? He's in NL and might be a useful inspiration. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/matthew-mazzotta-atlantic-voice-1.5715434 on Twitter Share I meant to include this in my survey submission. Have you looked at Matthew Mazzotta's work in urban/park/art disciplines? He's in NL and might be a useful inspiration. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/matthew-mazzotta-atlantic-voice-1.5715434 on Linkedin Email I meant to include this in my survey submission. Have you looked at Matthew Mazzotta's work in urban/park/art disciplines? He's in NL and might be a useful inspiration. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/matthew-mazzotta-atlantic-voice-1.5715434 link

    I meant to include this in my survey submission. Have you looked at Matthew Mazzotta's work in urban/park/art disciplines? He's in NL and might be a useful inspiration. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/matthew-mazzotta-atlantic-voice-1.5715434

    Katrina asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for sharing this link! It will be included in the report for the project team's review. 

    Regards,
    Nicole

  • Share Can you put paddle boat and kayak rentals for the lake on Facebook Share Can you put paddle boat and kayak rentals for the lake on Twitter Share Can you put paddle boat and kayak rentals for the lake on Linkedin Email Can you put paddle boat and kayak rentals for the lake link

    Can you put paddle boat and kayak rentals for the lake

    Chris Englehart asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your suggestion. This will be included in the report for the project team's consideration. 

    Regards,
    Nicole