The Ancaster School Grounds in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, cover approximately 43 acres of land and include Ancaster High School, the Ancaster Aquatic Centre, and ten full-size soccer fields. In June 2018, approximately 18 acres were earmarked for potential severance in a vote by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) trustees. This decision allowed the site to be potentially sold for development.

In response, the Ancaster Community Group was formed by over 11,500 residents who expressed concern to the HWDSB and the City of Hamilton. Many of these residents view the 18-acre green space as their hub of community involvement, often referring to it as their “Central Park.”

SDG collaborated with the Ancaster Community Group to provide pro-bono conceptual landscape architectural design services, aiming to transform the 18-acre land into a multi-use park. According to Ontario Regulation 9/06, “Criteria for Determining Cultural Heritage Value or Interest,” the property holds historical value due to its direct associations with themes, events, beliefs, people, activities, organizations, or institutions significant to the community.

The design team took these factors into account while developing the park. They also examined existing conditions, natural systems, ecology, and surrounding neighborhoods to create a park that is contextually appropriate and offers numerous recreational amenities. The landscape program includes a Main Park Entrance Plaza, signage, an entry plaza with a water feature (scrim) and seating, and a parking lot featuring bioswales, LID features, and permeable paving, among other elements.

This unique project provided our team with an opportunity to brainstorm, sketch, test ideas, and transform concepts from complete whitespace and chaos into clear, compelling designs. The Ancaster School Park is poised to become a renewed community destination—a vibrant hub of activity for everyone.