City of Windsor Invites Public Input on Two Exciting Park Projects
The City of Windsor is inviting residents to help shape the future of two community parks: Optimist Memorial Park in South Walkerville and Ernest Atkinson Park in the west end.
Optimist Memorial Park Playground Replacement
Optimist Memorial Park is a 50-acre community space in south Walkerville, established in 1925 and rich in history. It features the Optimist Community Centre, W.F. Chisholm Public Library, a community garden, a cricket pitch, sports courts and fields, dog parks, multi-use trails, and a remnant oak woodland with diverse native species.
The playground at Optimist Memorial Park is scheduled for replacement in 2026, and the City is seeking community input before design work begins. Residents are encouraged to share their ideas through the online Optimist Memorial Park Playground Replacement Survey, which will help guide decisions about playground features, design elements, and potential themes.
Ryan Barron Memorial Skate Park
Ernest Atkinson Park, located at 2005 Riverside Drive West, is a vibrant community space featuring a soccer field, outdoor swimming pool, accessible playground, and skateboard park. It is a popular destination for youth and families in Windsor’s west end.
In 2023, the skate park portion of the park was officially named the Ryan Barron Memorial Skate Park, honouring Ryan Barron — a beloved local skateboarder and community organizer who tragically passed away in 2016.
In May 2025, City Council approved matching funds to existing donation funds for improvements to the skate park. Donations are still being accepted, and the final scope of enhancements will depend on the total funds raised.
In the meantime, the City is seeking community input through the online Ryan Barron Memorial Skate Park Public Survey to help shape the future of the skate park and ensure it reflects the needs of local users.
Whether you are a parent, skateboarder, nature lover, or community advocate, your voice matters. Do not miss your chance to provide your input for the future development of these neighbourhood spaces.