By: Christian Collington, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca
Upgrades to the Prospect Park Leash-Free Area in Acton are set to kick off during the last week of October, according to Town of Halton Hills staff.
Staff said the dog park will be closed to the public during construction, with work “co-ordinated to keep the disruption as brief as possible.”
In the meantime, the town noted dog owners can use the Trafalgar Sports Park Leash-Free Area and the Cedarvale Park Leash-Free Area.
Both areas are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Community survey highlights hybrid design
The upcoming redesign reflects feedback gathered from 85 community survey responses, as well as collaboration between the town and the Leash Free Halton Hills Volunteer Committee.
Residents were presented two distinct layout options in the spring — one prioritizing a mulched agility area around a small pathway loop and one focusing on a central open lawn surrounded by a larger pathway loop.
Feedback from the spring survey showed strong support for both, leading to a final hybrid design that incorporates elements of each.
According to staff, 50 per cent of participants prioritized preserving large unobstructed open grass areas, while an equal number advocated for a longer looping pathway to facilitate walking through the grounds.
The final design aims to satisfy both groups by pairing open sod play space with improved pathway connectivity.
Key upgrades and features
In addition to the refined layout, the finalized park plan addresses several priorities and safety concerns raised during public engagement.
Separate small dog zone A dedicated, fully fenced section for smaller dogs to address safety concerns regarding aggressive dogs and off-leash behaviour.
Water access and lighting The addition of a water fountain and bottle-filling station, along with enhanced park lighting.
Site infrastructure Improved ground drainage, fresh surfacing, additional shade trees and gate and fence repairs.
Perimeter seating Seating placed along the outer edges of the facility rather than inside active play areas.
Residents also called for more consistent lawn mowing and routine site maintenance moving forward.