Point Pelee National Park Northwest Beach Improvement Project
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Location: Leamington, ON
Established in 1918, Point Pelee National Park was the first national park in Canada to be established for conservation as the area is home to many endangered species.
The NW Beach provides some of the park’s best opportunities for beach activities due to its proximity to the park entrance, the beach-front parking, and sand quality.
The focus of this project was to re-vitalize the infrastructure and redesign the area that would reduce its ecological impact, reduce maintenance costs and attract greater visitor interest. Accessibility was integrated within all aspects of the project, including beach access. The scope included:
- new beach pavilion and shade structures
- two comfort stations including washrooms, changerooms, showers and shaded resting areas
- development of parking lot for 100 vehicles
- pathways and natural playground
- feasibility for extension and completion of Park’s bicycle trails
The design process included close work with Parks Canada environmentalists as well as consultations with researchers from Wilfrid Laurier University to restore the sand dunes along the western shores of the park, disturbed through the later part of 20th century.