Looking Ahead
A Bridge to the Future
My friends at the Society have successfully raised $130,000 for a bridge. As the park is municipally-owned, the project is now in the hands of the Municipality of Meaford and the footbridge is anticipated in 2028 following studies and some redevelopment of Legion Park.
Although my lovely park is a wonderful place for smaller gatherings and walks with family and friends, we cannot truly become the tourist destination my friends envision until a pedestrian bridge over the Bighead River can be built. Here’s why…
The Vision
Our Challenges
The current driveway access to my park is quite steep. Because of this, tour buses, large recreation vehicles and even school buses cannot safely be accommodated. Pedestrians also use the driveway for park access, and those using mobility devices cannot navigate the slope. Adding to the problem, runoff after storms can make the footing uneven and sometimes treacherous on the driveway.
Once the pedestrian bridge across the Bighead River is in place, the current driveway could be used exclusively for maintenance access – for grass-cutting, garbage removal, etc. With the new pedestrian bridge in place, perhaps a set of steps with a railing, could be installed down a portion of the old sloped driveway. This would improve safety of local foot traffic to the park as there would be very limited vehicular traffic using the drive.
At present, the sloped driveway is barricaded from about November to April annually closing the park from vehicular access entirely.
The Future:
With the bridge in place and parking on the opposite side, Beautiful Joe Park’s current parking lot could offer proper event space for special shows, pet events – maybe even a live music venue or future amphitheater. And with my park becoming accessible for all to enjoy, Meaford will have a shady oasis for events and festivals just moments from the downtown core.
Bridging to a Solution
Future expansion to the Legion Park area could include:
Vehicle parking with special consideration for Bus / RV and large vehicle parking
Accessible flush washrooms and outdoor tap
Healthy mature trees would be left in place to provide shade in as many areas as possible. Trees and shrubs would help the river from eroding shoreline as well
A small children’s playground facility might be added
New condos may be built across from Legion Park at some future point. A foot bridge would offer quick easy access for residents and visitors to my historic park
The foot bridge will make it a shorter route (and more level) from downtown Meaford to the park for those walking using mobility scooters / rollators – even those pushing strollers.
Help Us Achieve our New Vision
So how can you help us achieve our new vision that includes a footbridge?
Please click here to make a donation to our capital campaign. Tax receipts will be issued for any online donation over $3.