Waterfront Destination Master Plan

The Municipality of Leamington is excited to announce a major renewal project for Rick Atkin Park, a cherished community space located along Robson Road adjacent to the Leamington Marina and the waterfront promenade. This project aims to enhance the park’s accessibility, functionality, and overall visitor experience with various upgrades.

This renewal project aligns with the Leamington Waterfront Destination Masterplan, which aims to enhance the amenities and experiences offered at Rick Atkin Park.

Key Upgrades Include:

• Realignment of walking paths: Asphalt walking paths will be realigned to improve accessibility throughout the park, providing better access to the waterfront promenade and marina.
• New washroom and maintenance storage building: The existing washroom facility will be replaced with a new, accessible building featuring larger restrooms. Additionally, a maintenance storage area will be constructed to allow municipal equipment and materials to be stored on-site.
• New playground: The park’s playground will be upgraded with a nautical-themed wood play structure, maintaining the park’s tradition of boat-themed playgrounds. The current playground, including its old iconic wood ship, which has been a cherished feature for many years, will be replaced. The new ship will be at least as large and memorable as its predecessors, continuing to create lasting memories for children and families.
• Water bottle filling station: A water bottle filling station will be installed to encourage hydration and reduce plastic waste.
• Electrical and water upgrades for special events: The park will be equipped with electrical and water connections, enhancing its capacity to host community events and activities.

The renewal project is expected to be substantially completed by the fall of 2024, with the installation of the new playground slated for spring 2025.

"Rick Atkin Park holds a special place in the hearts of many Leamington residents,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “These upgrades will ensure the park remains a safe, enjoyable, and accessible destination for everyone to enjoy.”

The Municipality of Leamington is pleased to announce the completion of the Amphitheatre Performer Room and storage building at Seacliff Park. This new facility will be inaugurated by renowned country artists Terri Clark and Michelle Wright during their performance at the Leamington 150th Anniversary Celebration Concert on Canada Day, followed by the annual fireworks display.

This project aligns with the Leamington Waterfront Destination Masterplan, aiming to enhance the amenities and experiences offered at Seacliff Park. Since the SUNSET® Amphitheatre's construction in 2017, a temporary office trailer has served as a backstage area for performers throughout the concert season. The new permanent performer room will provide a dedicated space for artists to relax and prepare for their shows, enhancing the overall experience for visiting performers. Gabriele BrandSource Home Furnishings generously supported the furnishings for the performer room, which adds to its comfort and functionality.

In addition to the Performer Room, the new storage building will significantly improve operational efficiency for the Municipality’s Public Works (PW) department. Previously, PW had limited storage for supplies and equipment at Seacliff Park, necessitating frequent transportation of materials between the PW yard and the park. The onsite storage facility will streamline operations and reduce unnecessary transport.

"We are excited to open this new facility just in time for our 150th anniversary celebrations," said Mayor Hilda MacDonald "The Amphitheatre Performer Room and storage building will greatly enhance the functionality of Seacliff Park and the SUNSET® Amphitheatre, providing a permanent, professional space for artists and more efficient operations for our Public Works team."

Today, WindsorEssex Community Foundation, the Municipality of Leamington, and members of the community gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a new waterfront legacy project made possible through an investment from the WindsorEssex Community Foundation in celebration of their 40 Years of Inspiring Philanthropy.

The new Basketball Courts at Seacliff Park in Leamington is an inspiring new waterfront attraction for tourists and residents to enjoy. The Municipality of Leamington received an inquiry by the youth of their community expressing a need for basketball courts at Seacliff Park. The Municipality of Leamington has used the funding from the WindsorEssex Community Foundation to construct one basketball court and has matched the investment to construct a second basketball court. The basketball courts will provide an opportunity for youth, residents and visitors to gather for recreation and physical activity while enjoying the backdrop of one of the community’s most beautiful locations – Seacliff Park.

The Basketball Court at Seacliff Park in Leamington was made possible through an initial investment from the WindsorEssex Community Foundation and the Honey Family Foundation Fund held at the WindsorEssex Community Foundation, with the generous support of the Municipality of Leamington.

"This project is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the positive impact of investing in our youth,” says Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “The new basketball courts at Seacliff Park are not only a response to the needs of our young residents but also a symbol of our commitment to fostering a healthy, active, and vibrant community. We are grateful to the WindsorEssex Community Foundation for their generous support and partnership in bringing this vision to life."

The investment is one of several 40th Anniversary Community Legacy Projects being supported by the WECF as they celebrated 40 years of Community Supporting Community in 2023. The WECF is marking this milestone year throughout Windsor and Essex County by creating lasting legacies, working with local municipal and community partners to create projects that will invest in lasting change in Windsor and Essex County, value a sense of place and culture, and honour both local history and the future as it unfolds.

“This past year, we are investing in community to create projects that will invest in lasting change, reflect who we are as the people of Windsor and Essex County, value our sense of place and culture, and honour both our local history and our future as it unfolds,” says Lisa Kolody, Executive Director of the WindsorEssex Community Foundation. “We are privileged to be celebrating our 40th Anniversary with phenomenal community partners like the Municipality of Leamington who are helping us mark this milestone year by creating projects that help foster a sense of community throughout Windsor & Essex County, today and forever.”

The Municipality of Leamington is pleased to announce the completion of a dedicated bike path on the waterfront promenade, extending from the Leamington Marina to the dock. This new addition is designed to enhance the safety and enjoyment of all waterfront users while improving accessibility for everyone.

Previously, despite restrictions against bicycles on the promenade, some individuals continued to ride their bikes in this area, leading to an intermingling of cyclists and pedestrians. Recognizing the need to create a more harmonious and accessible environment, the Municipality of Leamington installed a dedicated bike path. This enhancement ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone who visits the waterfront.

"We are thrilled to offer this enhancement to our waterfront promenade," said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. "The dedicated bike path not only addresses safety concerns but also enriches the overall experience for residents and visitors alike. As we move into summer, we encourage everyone to take advantage of this new feature and enjoy Leamington’s beautiful waterfront."

Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the new bike path and experience Leamington’s enhanced waterfront. The Municipality thanks the community for their patience and support throughout the construction process.

For more information about the project, visit leamington.ca/waterfront.

The Municipality of Leamington is excited to announce the continuation of enhancements to its waterfront area, and a key component of the Waterfront Destination Master Plan. To enhance the experience along the waterfront, the Municipality is preparing to construct a dedicated bike path on the promenade, extending from the Leamington Marina to the dock.

Despite the current restriction against bicycles on the promenade, some individuals still ride their bikes in this area, leading to an intermingling of cyclists and pedestrians. Recognizing the need to create a more harmonious and accessible environment for all, the Municipality has initiated the installation of a dedicated bike path. This enhancement will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals with disabilities.

To facilitate the project, the Municipality has initiated the removal of the ‘tips’ of some of the gardens on the promenade. This operation is expected to continue over the next few weeks. It is important to note that this will only affect a minor portion of the gardens, with approximately 85% remaining intact, preserving the natural beauty of the waterfront.

The new bike path is anticipated to be completed in late spring/early summer, just in time for residents and visitors to enjoy the warmer weather and the enhanced waterfront experience.

“We recognize the value of our waterfront as a key asset for both residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “Introducing a new dedicated bike path along our promenade significantly boosts both safety and accessibility, while also elevating the experience for everyone who visits. I am happy to see this project come to life, as it represents another step toward realizing our vision for a vibrant, accessible waterfront that everyone can enjoy.”

The Municipality of Leamington is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Boardwalk Extension Project, a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to transform Leamington’s waterfront into a must-experience destination. This transformative project now seamlessly connects the Leamington Marina to Seacliff Park, enhancing accessibility and offering a new experience for residents and visitors alike.

The Boardwalk Extension Project, a key component of the Waterfront Destination Master Plan, has been a long-anticipated endeavour to enhance and connect Leamington’s waterfront. With this expansion, Leamington residents and tourists can now enjoy an uninterrupted stroll along the shoreline, taking in views of Seacliff Beach and Lake Erie.

One of the project's notable features is the introduction of a new accessible mat system, specifically designed to improve accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, families with strollers, and anyone seeking a smooth and safe pathway toward the water's edge. This portable pathway is adaptable to uneven surfaces, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the waterfront.

Mayor Hilda MacDonald expressed her enthusiasm about the project, saying, "The completion of the Boardwalk Extension Project and the introduction of the accessible mat system mark significant steps toward making Leamington's waterfront a must-visit destination for everyone. We are proud to create an environment that welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us."

“As we celebrate this achievement, we invite residents and visitors to explore the beauty of Leamington's waterfront and its enhanced accessibility features,” said Peter Neufeld, Chief Administrative Officer. “We look forward to sharing more exciting developments as we continue to pursue the vision outlined in our Waterfront Destination Master Plan.”

The Municipality of Leamington is acquiring prime waterfront lands, setting the stage for transforming Leamington’s waterfront into a destination experience.

An agreement of purchase and sale for the property located at 50 Gold Coast Road was entered into on November 9, 2020, with an October 31, 2022, closing date. At the request of the seller, the specific terms of this agreement remained confidential until the date of closing.

Further, an agreement of purchase and sale for the property located at 399 Erie Street South was entered into on June 13, 2022. This agreement is conditional upon the certification and registration of a survey under the Boundaries Act which is expected to be completed in 2023.

When added to the property located at 34 Gold Coast Road acquired by the Municipality in January 1998, six acres of contiguous waterfront lands will be established from the southern extent of Gold Coast Road to the water’s edge outlined in red on the key map below.

The acquisitions, funded from the Municipality’s strategically established reserves for this purpose, will bring closer the establishment of a boardwalk linking the dock and Marina to Seacliff Park.

“The purchase of these lands is a critical piece in creating a continuous, connected public waterfront and creating several economic development opportunities,” said Peter Neufeld, Chief Administrative Officer. “Importantly, it also creates a space for the entire community and visitors alike to enjoy for many generations to come.”

“These lands hold tremendous potential,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “And these purchases are a big step forward in creating a vibrant destination that drives tourism, fosters economic success and attracts and retains a new generation to Leamington.”

The land purchases were recommendations outlined in the Waterfront Destination Master Plan approved by Council in principle, at its meeting held on June 14, 2022. The master planning process included stakeholder interviews and extensive online community engagement that contributed significantly to this plan’s vision for the waterfront and key recommendations.