Picton’s Benson Park ready for major upgrade

A revitalized Benson Park in Picton would see the space become fully accessible, safer and a place for all ages to enjoy.

Prince Edward County’s Committee of the Whole has endorsed the Benson Park Master Plan and directed staff to include the first phase of the project in the 2024 Capital Budget.

Though there was some revitalization in 2017, the park has been targeted for upgrades because of old playground equipment and concerns with vandalism and illegal activity.

Lisa Lindsay, Director of Recreation and Community Facilities says the revamp of the park will see the playground equipment upgraded and moved to a different area of the park.

“The main reason to move it away from the corner is the immense obstructed sight lines. That is where most of the illegal activity and fights and so forth occur.”

There was $100,000 earmarked in 2020 to upgrade expired playground equipment but due to the pandemic and the safety challenges in the park, changes were put on hold until a master plan could be completed.

Wentworth Landscapes was contracted to prepare the Benson Park Master Plan and incorporated OPP and community feedback.

Scott Wentworth says it’s important to make the park fully accessible to allow all children to play together.

“It shouldn’t be that children who have accessibility needs go off and play in this portion of the park while the rest go and play over here. It really is an equality of that diversity and accessibility that the children play together. There’s no barriers to it that way.”

The proposal as is also adds an adult fitness area and a large gazebo.

Councillor Brad Nieman suggested the fitness equipment was unnecessary but Councillor Phil Prinzen disagreed.

“As adults we have to show our kids by example and if our kids are over on slides and swings and all that stuff doing stuff, you know, because you’re not gonna chase a 12-year-old, you’re gonna sit on the bench. So, people have to look after themselves and if there’s opportunities, I like it.”

Total cost of the redesign would be about $700,000 but the first phase, which would include moving the current playground would cost about $300,000.

Staff hope that more funding for the improved park, especially for the gazebo, adult recreation area and benches can be obtained by alternate sources such as government funding, corporate grants or sponsorships.

Formulation of a county-wide Parks and Rec Master Plan is also underway which will suggest updates for all parks.

Staff expect to incorporate ideas from the Benson Park Master Plan for other parks.

The Benson Park Master Plan now goes to council for approval.

See the full proposal from Wentworth Landscapes here.