Lakeshore’s River Ridge Park opens with a splash!

Story and photos by Matt Weingarden – Staff reporter

The new and improved River Ridge Park opened with a splash today, as Lakeshore mayor Tom Bain and members of council attended an official ribbon cutting and celebration of the new amenities and vast trail system.

The park is located on Oakwood Avenue between Lakeshore Discovery Public School and St. Anne Catholic Secondary School.

“It’s been a long time coming, and wow… Look at the results!” said mayor Bain, who was referring to the long, drawn-out construction process during the pandemic. It’s been a real team effort.”

He cited construction delays due to Covid and not being able to attain materials as reasons for the delay as well as a continuous rise in costs.

New amenities at the park include a splash pad, washroom and change room facilities, shade structures, exercise equipment, new lighting, parking area, pickleball courts, and landscaping.  

“With schools out, it’s a great time to reveal the new and improved River Ridge Park,” said mayor Tom Bain. “This park is the perfect addition to a growing area. It will serve as a gathering place for community members of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and cool off at the splash pad.” 

Background 

• River Ridge Park is classified as a Community Park in the Lakeshore Parks & Recreation Master Plan. 
• Additional features include:

• The expanded park will serve residents in one of the fastest-growing areas in Lakeshore and Southwestern Ontario, as well as two local schools and the Ontario Early Years Centre.
• The park offers accessible amenities for all ages, including a splash pad for kids, and a walking trail with exercise equipment for adults.
• The park is located next to a multi-use trail, which provides pedestrian-friendly access to the park as well as connectivity with the regional trail system and Lakeshore’s other parks.

The total construction cost for the park improvement was $2.4 million. 

“We intend to keep improving all of our community parks across the Municipality. This is an absolute gem…unbelievable,” added Bain.