The City of Pickering is turning community input into action, with new outdoor fitness stations moving ahead in three neighbourhood parks following Pickering’s first-ever participatory budget process.
The parks
Council recently approved the contract to bring outdoor fitness stations to East Woodlands Park, Alex Robertson Park, and Glengrove Park, with one location in each of Pickering’s three wards. Construction is expected to begin later this summer, with the equipment anticipated to be ready for use by the end of the year.
Through the City of Pickering’s 2025 budget planning process, residents were invited to help decide how a portion of the budget should be invested in neighbourhood improvements. Outdoor fitness equipment was identified as the top-ranked project category among several options designed to support quality of life, active living, and community well-being. Residents also considered dog park enhancements, a shade structure with outdoor gathering space, urban street furniture, or opting out of funding these neighbourhood projects entirely.
“Residents told us they wanted more opportunities to stay active and enjoy their neighbourhood parks, and we listened,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “Through Pickering’s first participatory budget process, the community helped shape this investment, and it’s exciting to see their vision now becoming a reality.”
The project is also grounded in long-term planning. The proposed neighbourhood improvements were developed to align with the City’s Corporate Strategic Plan and Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan, supporting priorities related to welcoming and healthy communities, as well as innovation, responsible planning, and well-serviced neighbourhoods.
The outdoor fitness equipment was allocated up to $300,000 through the Capital Budget, funded through casino revenues. Updates will be shared through the City’s social media and online parks page at pickering.ca/parks.
