Delhi Park in Prince Edward County is going to be getting a makeover.
During Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, councillors reviewed a plan to renovate the 38-acre green space in the centre of Picton.
The plans presented had a focus on accessibility, with 5.8km of accessible walking paths through the area, allowing people with mobility challenges to navigate the park. Current paths aren’t accessible due to steep slopes in the area. The new paths are planned to be gravel surfaces, with lighting and park-style benches along the pathways.
The proposed pathways would connect to Picton Main Street, Millennium Trail, Picton Harbour, and other areas, presenting a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Due to the potential costs associated with making large scale renovations to the space, the new paths are being laid out in phases, with plans to seek grant funding to cover costs of the new paths as they’re built over a 10-year period.
The councillors were very supportive of the project. Councillor Bill Roberts said he loved the new plans.
“I think this Delhi project is really thoughtful, really creative, accessible, and frankly, anything that’s described to me as lovely and ambitious gets me kind of excited,” said Councillor Roberts. “I do think it has sort of county-wide, maybe even region-wide, impact.”
Councillor Roy Pennell suggested that getting private donations might be a better way to fund the project than waiting for grant money.
“We always look for grants, but I’m not convinced that is the only way of doing it,” said Councillor Pennell. “If it’s for the betterment of the people in Picton one would hope some may step up with funds.”
The plan was passed by the committee and sent on to Prince Edward County Council for final approval.
