The Champlain Sailing Club (CSC) and Orillia Rowing Club (ORC) are working toward creating a new public park at Pumpkin Bay.
Club representatives made a deputation to city council Monday evening, presenting a concept for the area that would include facilities for both clubs and a community park for public use.
“Pumpkin Bay Park will be a destination park for both citizens and tourists, attracted by onshore and waterfront amenities,” said CSC member Joe Fecht. “Park features may include a playground, splash pads, a zip line, and other amenities that the city may (deem) appropriate.”
The report presented to council also suggested a skate park, picnic areas, a public dock for kayaks and canoes, and a concession stand as possible amenities.
To get to that point, however, the area will need work.
There are numerous properties in the area, and the sailing club currently uses the gravel road as a parking lot.
Fecht said the current buildings used by the sailing club are outdated, as well.
“The sailing clubs’ two buildings, which we own, are coming to their end of life use in the next 10-plus years, and the airplane hangar will need a fair amount of renovation work,” he said. “In terms of the future of the clubs, part of the onshore component would include a boathouse for both clubs, a new clubhouse with public washrooms.”
“Building construction would be a joint venture between the two clubs and the city,” Fecht said.
The idea for the new park arose out of the need for both clubs to establish a location to make long-term investments.
“We realize how fortunate we are to have a position on the lake, and we want to maintain it, and to do that we would like to be partners with the city in developing (this area) of the waterfront,” said CSC member Robert Hawke. “The city is growing, it's flourishing under your guidance, and … we’re in this for the long term.”
The sailing club operates out of the Pumpkin Bay area, while the rowing club is based in Tudhope Park.
The CSC asked for a long-term lease on the area in 2019, Fecht said, but the city has yet to grant one, and the city has also asked the ORC to look for an alternative site.
“Both clubs wish to secure a location for their future to make long-term investments,” Fecht said. “The city has asked the rowing club to look for an alternate site, and after the club’s investigation, they found Pumpkin Bay as the most suitable site.”
As there are numerous properties in the area, including public land and land slated for development, the club asked that the city put together a reference plan outlining any land title issues in the area, and that it finalize its policies for leasing properties for recreational groups.
Council was supportive of the idea of a Pumpkin Bay Park.
Coun. Tim Lauer pointed to the need for expanding environmentally friendly recreational opportunities in the city.
“This is the direction we need to be going if we’re serious about climate change,” Lauer said. “If we’re going to encourage people not to start engines when they’re entertaining themselves, then we’ve got to give them options, and both of these clubs are hard-working clubs and have done a great job in promoting their sports. I think this is a real opportunity.”
Council directed staff to provide an update on any land title issues in the Pumpkin Bay area, and to bring back options and opportunities for the creation of a public park.
There was no estimate provided of costs associated with the plan.
