Park projects, plans and community groups

Learn about current park projects, the long-term plans that guide our parks and community groups that support them.


On this page:

  1. Current park projects
  2. Park plans
  3. Community groups
  4. Contact us

Current projects

Natural play area upgrade – Waterloo Park

We’re upgrading the natural play area on Father David Bauer Drive in fall and winter 2025.

  • some paths or areas may close during construction
  • we'll post signs and detours on site
  • we'll share re-opening details when work is complete

Follow the project on Engage Waterloo.

There are lots of ways to support our local parks — visit our get involved section.


Park plans

We use long-term plans to guide how we care for and improve parks. 

Waterloo Park Plan

The Waterloo Park Plan (2009) is a 20-year vision that guides how we care for and improve the park. It was created with community input.

  • runs from 2009 to 2029
  • sets priorities for upgrades to play areas, paths, gardens, events and natural spaces
  • shaped with feedback from residents

Read the Waterloo Park Plan.

Parkland Strategy

Approved in June 2022, this 10-year action plan guides how the city invests in park spaces.

  • reviews service levels, park inventory and resources
  • covers neighbourhood parks, sports fields, woodlots, wetlands and natural corridors

Read the Parkland Strategy.

Laurel Greenway master plan

Finalized in 2023, the Laurel Greenway master plan outlines a vision for a 2 km linear park through uptown Waterloo, from Waterloo Park to Weber Street.

  • creates a continuous greenway experience
  • connects spaces and amenities
  • enhances natural features
  • supports the function of the entire area

Read the Laurel Greenway master plan.


Community groups

Friends of Waterloo Park

Friends of Waterloo Park is a volunteer group that supports the Waterloo Park Plan and park projects. They help by:

  • raising the park’s profile
  • supporting programs and events
  • raising funds for priority features
  • recognizing donations and community efforts
  • encouraging volunteering and community building

Catch up with Friends of Waterloo Park on TwitterFacebookInstagram or email them at fowp@waterloo.ca.

Our mission

The Friends of Waterloo Park is a volunteer group that works in cooperation with the Waterloo Park advisory committee and the City of Waterloo to fulfill the goals of the Waterloo Park Plan. The Friends of Waterloo Park organize, promote and participate in events in the park and fundraise to enhance and accelerate improvements to Waterloo Park.    

Our goals

  • foster community awareness of and appreciation for Waterloo Park
  • promote and encourage the use of newly implemented features as well as existing park features
  • raise funds for new projects, park enhancements and community activities
  • promote volunteerism to engage residents in barn-raising activities

A brief history

The Friends of Waterloo Park was established in April 2015 as a subcommittee of the Waterloo Park advisory committee of council (WPAC). In 2017, the subcommittee was re-designated as a volunteer group (City of Waterloo committee policy, 2007).

Structure

The Friends of Waterloo Park consists of a chair, a finance team, multiple specialty teams each coordinated by a team lead, a WPAC liaison and a City of Waterloo staff liaison. 

Meetings

The Friends of Waterloo Park meet in the evenings, once or twice a month, and work in the park once or twice each season.

Appointment

  • when a position vacancy exists, a volunteer recruitment notice will be published on the city website and other sources
  • interested applicants will contact volunteer services with a resume and two references before the deadline
  • volunteer services and the city staff liaison will review all applications, carry out interviews and reference checks and recommend appointments   

Qualifications for Friends of Waterloo Park

The list below outlines the requirements for being a member of the Friends of Waterloo Park. 

  • must be 18 years of age or older
  • have good organizational skills, written and verbal communication
  • show an interest or experience in finance, fundraising, sponsorship, communication, or event and program planning
  • be willing to work cooperatively in partnership with city staff and other Friends and delegates
  • be capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the position held
  • commit to a minimum of one year is required, subject to review with the city staff liaison at any time
  • attend a minimum of four meetings and four activities over the course of one year

Contact us

Contact us if you have questions or need help: