Strathmore Commons will make parks and pathways more accessible

By Christine Foshaug Times Contributor

Work is underway on a new pedestrian bridge along Thomas Drive, the first step in the Strathmore Commons project.
The $230,000 bridge, which was allocated in the capital budget, will cross the Western Irrigation District (WID) canal across from Centennial Drive, giving residents of Thorncliffe and Brentwood easier access to the town’s 50-kilometre pathway system.
The Strathmore Commons project was approved at the same time as the new municipal building. By linking Gray’s Park, Lambert Park and Kinsmen Park, and expanding existing park spaces, it will connect communities to the town’s park system and provide a framework for future expansion.
“Results of the Citizen Satisfaction Survey showed how important parks and pathways are to residents, with accessibility being a key issue,” said Town of Strathmore communications strategist Geoff Person. “The goal of the Strathmore Commons project is to unify the town’s green spaces, making them more accessible. Strathmore is like a town inside a park, and the green space is valuable to both residents and visitors.”
PCL Construction has begun the building process, and all efforts will be made to cause minimal impact to local residents. For the next few months, there will be a slight detour of the Thomas Drive pedestrian pathway. Abutments will be completed in January, and the bridge will be fabricated off-site in February. In March, the bridge will be placed, with finishing touches being completed in the spring.
Since announcing the Strathmore Commons project on the Town of Strathmore website and Facebook page, Person said there has been some very positive feedback from residents.
“The pedestrian bridge will have a lifespan of 50 years,” he noted, “so it’s a legacy project for the community.”
When the pedestrian bridge is complete, the next step will be to upgrade the pathways in Gray’s Park, Lambert Park and Kinsmen Park to connect the three parks that comprise the large corridor of green space running through the middle of town.
Strathmore Commons may also incorporate other improvements to Kinsmen Park and the new municipal building, with the layout and landscaping at the building site being taken into consideration.
Two important areas of Kinsmen Park may see some enhancements, with the possible addition of equipment, an upgraded play surface and repairs to the landscaping at the playground as well as functional upgrades to the spray park, including a softer play surface.
“Strathmore has a legacy of setting aside green space,” said Person. “This is a great way to carry on that legacy and keep evolving. Parks and pathways are a huge selling point for our community and are one more reason for people to want to move here.”