In 2022, the East Preston Active Transportation Committee engaged UPLAND to design a bike playground and outdoor fitness park that would support active living options for community members of all ages. The site represents unique opportunities, thanks to its central location adjacent to the East Preston Recreation Centre. The design process included engagement with the Active Transportation Committee as well as a public open house that was instrumental in guiding the vision of what should be included in the new park.
The new park will provide a fun and safe place for users to learn bicycle control skills and rules of the road. Adults, including users from the East Preston Seniors’ Centre and Lions Club, will be able to use the outdoor fitness equipment and a new accessible path to existing adjacent basketball courts. The site is located next to an existing conventional playground, so entire family groups will be able to find activities that interest them. The layout has been crafted to encourage social interaction, while also allowing for physical distancing during a pandemic. The park design complements other active transportation projects which are in progress in the community following UPLAND’s completion of the East Preston Active Transportation Plan in 2018.
The final concept plan for the bike playground includes a paved bike playground with balance area, dirt pump track, bike racks, bike repair station, shade structure, varied seating options, outdoor fitness area, shade trees, a bioswale, and a rain garden. The end result is an exciting project that will foster healthy active living for community members of all ages.
