Outdoor fitness stations are coming to three Pickering parks this year, after residents chose the equipment as the top project in the City's first-ever participatory budget process.
Council recently approved the contract to install the stations at East Woodlands Park, Alex Robertson Park and Glengrove Park, with one location in each of Pickering's three wards, according to a City of Pickering news release. Construction is expected to begin later this summer, and the equipment should be ready for public use by the end of the year.
How residents shaped the decision
The project grew out of the City's 2025 budget planning process, when residents were invited to help decide how a portion of the budget should be spent on neighbourhood improvements.
Voters weighed several options, including dog park enhancements, a shade structure with outdoor gathering space, and urban street furniture. They could also opt out of funding the neighbourhood projects entirely. Outdoor fitness equipment came out on top among the choices, which were all designed to support quality of life, active living and community well-being.
Residents told us they wanted more opportunities to stay active and enjoy their neighbourhood parks, and we listened,
Mayor Kevin Ashe said in the City's July 9 announcement. "Through Pickering's first participatory budget process, the community helped shape this investment, and it's exciting to see their vision now becoming a reality."
Funding and long-term planning
The outdoor fitness equipment was allocated up to $300,000 through the Capital Budget, funded through casino revenues, the City said.
The chosen improvements also line up with the City's long-term planning documents. The City said the options were developed to align with its Corporate Strategic Plan and Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan, supporting priorities around welcoming and healthy communities, innovation, responsible planning, and well-serviced neighbourhoods.
The City plans to share updates on the project through its social media channels and its online parks page at pickering.ca/parks.