Project context

W.C. Shelly Park is a small (0.3ha) neighbourhood park located one block north and one block west of Commercial and Broadway in the Grandview-Woodland area.

The existing park contains an open lawn area, playground, mature trees, and a number of benches. In 2022, the project site was expanded after the Park Board acquired neighbouring land. This expansion area will be the focus for new park programs and activities. This expansion area is currently planted as a pollinator meadow while we finalize the park design.

The proposed design (PDF, 7.2MB) for W.C. Shelly Park expansion has been developed based on what we have heard in past engagement, along with technical requirements and relevant Park Board policies:

VanPlay identified this as an area with a small urban canopy and high demand for accessible recreation. This expansion will protect the existing mature trees and add new trees to meet the neighbourhood need for a greater urban canopy. To address the need for accessible recreation, we will be expanding the playground and improving it with accessible play surfacing and inclusive play equipment.

The People, Parks, and Dogs Strategy has identified this neighbourhood as an underserved area for off-leash dog parks. We have also heard from many in the community that want to see an off-leash dog area at W.C. Shelly Park. To address this, we have expanded the east side of the park and will be dedicating much of that space to an off-leash dog area.

The Local Food Action Plan identified this as a medium priority area for new local food assets. We plan to provide space for a new communal food and culture garden, which will help address this need, and bring a sense ownership and stewardship of the space to the community.