Heritage Park is currently scheduled to begin phase one of the Township of Huron-Kinloss Park Drainage Ditch Restoration Project.

Background

Heritage Park is a predominantly wooded parcel of parkland, and residents and visitors use the park as a place to walk, play, and rest. The park is surrounded by Gregs Trail, Heritage Drive, Park place, and Kris street with entrances off Gregs Trail, Heritage, and Kris Street. The park is approximately 4.5 acres (1.78 hectares) and contains mature trees, newly planted trees, and many wind damaged cedars; drainage ditches on the south and north sides and a modest playground.

An existing drainage channel runs through the Heritage Heights subdivision and the neighborhood park. The section being reviewed extends from Lake Range Drive to Lake Huron. Over the years, and since the subdivision was constructed (circa 1980’s) maintenance activities within the channel have been difficult given the access challenges that exist through the park area. Vegetation and trees are overgrown along many sections of the drainage channel, with many downed trees and limbs partially blocking the waterway. These impediments have restricted the conveyance capacity of the ditch and often lead to the channel overflowing its banks and flooding onto adjacent properties and across roadways during large rain events. There is evidence of erosion of the side slopes along sections of the channel as well, and particularly at locations where restrictions exist and channel velocities are impacted.

With the Playground Revitalization Program, the Township aims to revitalize existing “traditional” play spaces to meet the needs and interests of the community and to offer new, vibrant, and engaging experiences for all visitors. The Township’s vision is to seamlessly integrate play opportunities within existing Township parks to: Encourage social, physical, and mental engagement of persons of all ages and abilities, foster motor, sensory, creative, and social skills, and connect visitors to the park with access to nature.

Phase 1 (October to December 2025) - PARK WILL BE CLOSED

Tree removal adjacent to all drainage ditches allows engineers to accurately design remediation of ditch. Includes removal of all deadfall trees, and removal of several trees surrounding existing play equipment

All tree materials will be ground on the park site and re-distributed as part of the trail system and new planting areas (see concept plan on back of this page)

Phase 2 (Summer and Fall 2026)

Dependent on funding, engineers will design the drainage channel from Boardwalk to Lake Huron, with riprap armouring to control erosion. A maintenance access path is recommended where feasible, though existing topography may prevent continuous access along the channel. A complete conceptual plan will be available at the meeting.

Township aims to revitalize existing “traditional” play spaces to not only meet the needs and interests of the community and offer new, vibrant, and engaging experiences for all visitors. Sample play structure images will also be available at the meeting for review and feedback.

We Want to Keep You Informed!

Please join us on Wednesday, September 17^th at 6:00pm for a public meeting at Heritage Park. Meet at the play equipment in the middle of the park – 913A Gregs Trail. Staff is looking forward to providing further details and hearing comments.

For more information, please contact the Community Services Department at recreation@huronkinloss.com or call 519-395-2909.