Wilmot Park Improvement Plan

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The Wilmot Park Improvement Plan (2017) provides a long-term vision for one of Fredericton’s most historic public spaces. The Plan seeks to preserve and strengthen Wilmot Park’s original role as a Victorian-era common ground while adapting the park to meet contemporary recreational, accessibility, and community needs. Central to the Plan is the restoration of the park’s historic landscape framework, enhancement of pedestrian connections, creation of welcoming activity nodes, and reinforcement of connections to surrounding community assets such as Government House, the Stepping Stone Seniors Centre, and adjacent neighbourhoods.

During the summer and fall the City of Fredericton will be engaging the public and key stakeholders in the development of conceptual designs to for several key components of the Wilmot Park Improvements Plan including Playpark East, Stepping Stone Courtyard, and Parking/Drop-off Loop.

Playpark East is intended to update the existing play area by creating an accessible, family-oriented recreation destination that strengthens links between existing play amenities and encourages multi-generational use of the park.

Stepping Stone Courtyard will provide an inviting gathering space adjacent to the Stepping Stone Seniors Centre, supporting social interaction, accessibility, and community programming while improving connections to the broader park network. Together, these features enhance the park’s role as an inclusive community hub.

The Parking and Drop-off Loop will improve safe and convenient access for seniors, families, visitors with mobility challenges, and organized groups. By formalizing vehicle circulation and drop-off functions, the project will improve accessibility to key destinations within the park while reducing conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. Collectively, these improvements advance the Master Plan’s objectives of enhancing user experience, strengthening community connections, and ensuring Wilmot Park remains a vibrant and accessible public space for future generations.

The City’s major park improvement projects are typically completed through a multi-year process (minimum 3 years) involving land identification, conceptual design, detailed engineering design, and construction. Completing the conceptual design and detailed engineering design over the next two years will ensure this project is shovel ready when funding is available for construction. City Council will decide when to proceed with construction in alignment with future City Council budget and 5-year Capital Plan processes.


The Wilmot Park Improvement Plan (2017) provides a long-term vision for one of Fredericton’s most historic public spaces. The Plan seeks to preserve and strengthen Wilmot Park’s original role as a Victorian-era common ground while adapting the park to meet contemporary recreational, accessibility, and community needs. Central to the Plan is the restoration of the park’s historic landscape framework, enhancement of pedestrian connections, creation of welcoming activity nodes, and reinforcement of connections to surrounding community assets such as Government House, the Stepping Stone Seniors Centre, and adjacent neighbourhoods.

During the summer and fall the City of Fredericton will be engaging the public and key stakeholders in the development of conceptual designs to for several key components of the Wilmot Park Improvements Plan including Playpark East, Stepping Stone Courtyard, and Parking/Drop-off Loop.

Playpark East is intended to update the existing play area by creating an accessible, family-oriented recreation destination that strengthens links between existing play amenities and encourages multi-generational use of the park.

Stepping Stone Courtyard will provide an inviting gathering space adjacent to the Stepping Stone Seniors Centre, supporting social interaction, accessibility, and community programming while improving connections to the broader park network. Together, these features enhance the park’s role as an inclusive community hub.

The Parking and Drop-off Loop will improve safe and convenient access for seniors, families, visitors with mobility challenges, and organized groups. By formalizing vehicle circulation and drop-off functions, the project will improve accessibility to key destinations within the park while reducing conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. Collectively, these improvements advance the Master Plan’s objectives of enhancing user experience, strengthening community connections, and ensuring Wilmot Park remains a vibrant and accessible public space for future generations.

The City’s major park improvement projects are typically completed through a multi-year process (minimum 3 years) involving land identification, conceptual design, detailed engineering design, and construction. Completing the conceptual design and detailed engineering design over the next two years will ensure this project is shovel ready when funding is available for construction. City Council will decide when to proceed with construction in alignment with future City Council budget and 5-year Capital Plan processes.

Questions?

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  • Share How can local residents contribute and offer feedback if they were not able to attend the pop up session? on Facebook Share How can local residents contribute and offer feedback if they were not able to attend the pop up session? on X (formerly Twitter) Share How can local residents contribute and offer feedback if they were not able to attend the pop up session? on Linkedin Email How can local residents contribute and offer feedback if they were not able to attend the pop up session? link

    How can local residents contribute and offer feedback if they were not able to attend the pop up session?

    Shannon Hagerman asked 12 days ago

    You can email the recreation team directly at recreation@fredericton.ca! 

  • Share Are there any plans to include lighting for the basketball courts? I'm not even a basketball player but the courts are very well used and we could certainly extend their daily use by adding some lights. On that note, the tennis court lights have not been working very well this summer (some bulbs seem to be burnt out and often the lights will dim randomly for extended periods of time). I saw someone else mention resurfacing as a need as well. The city is doing a great job with recreation and residents are really happy with planned improvements and further investments! Keep it up Fredericton :) on Facebook Share Are there any plans to include lighting for the basketball courts? I'm not even a basketball player but the courts are very well used and we could certainly extend their daily use by adding some lights. On that note, the tennis court lights have not been working very well this summer (some bulbs seem to be burnt out and often the lights will dim randomly for extended periods of time). I saw someone else mention resurfacing as a need as well. The city is doing a great job with recreation and residents are really happy with planned improvements and further investments! Keep it up Fredericton :) on X (formerly Twitter) Share Are there any plans to include lighting for the basketball courts? I'm not even a basketball player but the courts are very well used and we could certainly extend their daily use by adding some lights. On that note, the tennis court lights have not been working very well this summer (some bulbs seem to be burnt out and often the lights will dim randomly for extended periods of time). I saw someone else mention resurfacing as a need as well. The city is doing a great job with recreation and residents are really happy with planned improvements and further investments! Keep it up Fredericton :) on Linkedin Email Are there any plans to include lighting for the basketball courts? I'm not even a basketball player but the courts are very well used and we could certainly extend their daily use by adding some lights. On that note, the tennis court lights have not been working very well this summer (some bulbs seem to be burnt out and often the lights will dim randomly for extended periods of time). I saw someone else mention resurfacing as a need as well. The city is doing a great job with recreation and residents are really happy with planned improvements and further investments! Keep it up Fredericton :) link

    Are there any plans to include lighting for the basketball courts? I'm not even a basketball player but the courts are very well used and we could certainly extend their daily use by adding some lights. On that note, the tennis court lights have not been working very well this summer (some bulbs seem to be burnt out and often the lights will dim randomly for extended periods of time). I saw someone else mention resurfacing as a need as well. The city is doing a great job with recreation and residents are really happy with planned improvements and further investments! Keep it up Fredericton :)

    Jon A. asked 20 days ago

    Thanks for the question! There are no immediate plans to light the Wilmot basketball courts. Improvements planned for the park are outlined in the Wilmot Park Plan, which can be viewed here: engagefredericton.ca/52979/widgets/224716/documents/171513. 

    Upgrades to the tennis court surface and lighting are included in our 5-year capital improvement plan! We will have someone check on the lights. Unfortunately, Wilmot Park has experienced repeated vandalism and wire theft issues, so it is possible there is an ongoing issue.

  • Share Will the Wilmont Park Improvements touch at all on access from the Plat? Currently there is only one controlled crosswalk at Saunders Street. And painted line (not infrastructure) at the roundabout at the bottom of Smythe street. Is there opportunity for a safe crossing at Charlotte? Especially given the encouraged fast vehicle speeds on Smythe street. Charlotte street and Smythe street is already a formalized 4 way intersection with curb cuts. It is dangerous that this is not a marked crosswalk, given the direct access route from the plat to the park. on Facebook Share Will the Wilmont Park Improvements touch at all on access from the Plat? Currently there is only one controlled crosswalk at Saunders Street. And painted line (not infrastructure) at the roundabout at the bottom of Smythe street. Is there opportunity for a safe crossing at Charlotte? Especially given the encouraged fast vehicle speeds on Smythe street. Charlotte street and Smythe street is already a formalized 4 way intersection with curb cuts. It is dangerous that this is not a marked crosswalk, given the direct access route from the plat to the park. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Will the Wilmont Park Improvements touch at all on access from the Plat? Currently there is only one controlled crosswalk at Saunders Street. And painted line (not infrastructure) at the roundabout at the bottom of Smythe street. Is there opportunity for a safe crossing at Charlotte? Especially given the encouraged fast vehicle speeds on Smythe street. Charlotte street and Smythe street is already a formalized 4 way intersection with curb cuts. It is dangerous that this is not a marked crosswalk, given the direct access route from the plat to the park. on Linkedin Email Will the Wilmont Park Improvements touch at all on access from the Plat? Currently there is only one controlled crosswalk at Saunders Street. And painted line (not infrastructure) at the roundabout at the bottom of Smythe street. Is there opportunity for a safe crossing at Charlotte? Especially given the encouraged fast vehicle speeds on Smythe street. Charlotte street and Smythe street is already a formalized 4 way intersection with curb cuts. It is dangerous that this is not a marked crosswalk, given the direct access route from the plat to the park. link

    Will the Wilmont Park Improvements touch at all on access from the Plat? Currently there is only one controlled crosswalk at Saunders Street. And painted line (not infrastructure) at the roundabout at the bottom of Smythe street. Is there opportunity for a safe crossing at Charlotte? Especially given the encouraged fast vehicle speeds on Smythe street. Charlotte street and Smythe street is already a formalized 4 way intersection with curb cuts. It is dangerous that this is not a marked crosswalk, given the direct access route from the plat to the park.

    Fiona Hamilton asked 2 months ago

    Thanks for your feedback. This project does not include plans for improving access to the park along Smythe Street. However, your feedback has been shared with Engineering & Operations for their review and consideration.

  • Share Hi! I can’t make the event but a few things from our favourite parks that I’d love to see in Fredericton are: shaded seating and play areas, play equipment in colours and materials that doesn’t get scorching hot in the sun, fenced play equipment areas especially near roads, toilets, and infrastructure for food trucks / drink stalls with seating (nothing better than a park cafe where kids can run free!). A public indoor playground would also be incredible in a city where weather is such an issue for getting toddlers outside half the year. Is any of this being considered? on Facebook Share Hi! I can’t make the event but a few things from our favourite parks that I’d love to see in Fredericton are: shaded seating and play areas, play equipment in colours and materials that doesn’t get scorching hot in the sun, fenced play equipment areas especially near roads, toilets, and infrastructure for food trucks / drink stalls with seating (nothing better than a park cafe where kids can run free!). A public indoor playground would also be incredible in a city where weather is such an issue for getting toddlers outside half the year. Is any of this being considered? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Hi! I can’t make the event but a few things from our favourite parks that I’d love to see in Fredericton are: shaded seating and play areas, play equipment in colours and materials that doesn’t get scorching hot in the sun, fenced play equipment areas especially near roads, toilets, and infrastructure for food trucks / drink stalls with seating (nothing better than a park cafe where kids can run free!). A public indoor playground would also be incredible in a city where weather is such an issue for getting toddlers outside half the year. Is any of this being considered? on Linkedin Email Hi! I can’t make the event but a few things from our favourite parks that I’d love to see in Fredericton are: shaded seating and play areas, play equipment in colours and materials that doesn’t get scorching hot in the sun, fenced play equipment areas especially near roads, toilets, and infrastructure for food trucks / drink stalls with seating (nothing better than a park cafe where kids can run free!). A public indoor playground would also be incredible in a city where weather is such an issue for getting toddlers outside half the year. Is any of this being considered? link

    Hi! I can’t make the event but a few things from our favourite parks that I’d love to see in Fredericton are: shaded seating and play areas, play equipment in colours and materials that doesn’t get scorching hot in the sun, fenced play equipment areas especially near roads, toilets, and infrastructure for food trucks / drink stalls with seating (nothing better than a park cafe where kids can run free!). A public indoor playground would also be incredible in a city where weather is such an issue for getting toddlers outside half the year. Is any of this being considered?

    Maddie West asked 2 months ago

    Thanks for your feedback and suggestions.  The play area redesign will include a variety of seating and shaded areas.  We have passed your comments regarding food truck areas and colourful play equipment and materials on to the project consultants.   There are currently bathrooms available adjacent to the play area.  At this time, there are no plans to fence the play area or construct an indoor play facility, but we will keep those ideas in mind for this and future projects.

  • Share Will the aging structures be upgraded? This would be a good park to add a fenced play area for elopers/autistic children. Will there be more structures added as it's frequented by many and the structures often have too many children to be safe, especially for little ones. Will structures involve more safe risky play such as at High Point Park? That's a very good park for all ages but isn't very easy to access for those without vehicles. on Facebook Share Will the aging structures be upgraded? This would be a good park to add a fenced play area for elopers/autistic children. Will there be more structures added as it's frequented by many and the structures often have too many children to be safe, especially for little ones. Will structures involve more safe risky play such as at High Point Park? That's a very good park for all ages but isn't very easy to access for those without vehicles. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Will the aging structures be upgraded? This would be a good park to add a fenced play area for elopers/autistic children. Will there be more structures added as it's frequented by many and the structures often have too many children to be safe, especially for little ones. Will structures involve more safe risky play such as at High Point Park? That's a very good park for all ages but isn't very easy to access for those without vehicles. on Linkedin Email Will the aging structures be upgraded? This would be a good park to add a fenced play area for elopers/autistic children. Will there be more structures added as it's frequented by many and the structures often have too many children to be safe, especially for little ones. Will structures involve more safe risky play such as at High Point Park? That's a very good park for all ages but isn't very easy to access for those without vehicles. link

    Will the aging structures be upgraded? This would be a good park to add a fenced play area for elopers/autistic children. Will there be more structures added as it's frequented by many and the structures often have too many children to be safe, especially for little ones. Will structures involve more safe risky play such as at High Point Park? That's a very good park for all ages but isn't very easy to access for those without vehicles.

    Shannon asked 2 months ago

    Yes, all of the existing play equipment will be replaced as part of the park renewal. The new playground is being designed to offer a variety of play experiences for different ages and abilities, including opportunities for more challenging and engaging play. At this time, there are no plans to fence the play area, but we appreciate your feedback and will keep it in mind as the project moves forward.

  • Share Community Gardens! There is an abundance of space in the park, once the homeless people have a place to go and the city cleans up drug paraphernalia. Community Gardens could benefit everyone in so many ways. on Facebook Share Community Gardens! There is an abundance of space in the park, once the homeless people have a place to go and the city cleans up drug paraphernalia. Community Gardens could benefit everyone in so many ways. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Community Gardens! There is an abundance of space in the park, once the homeless people have a place to go and the city cleans up drug paraphernalia. Community Gardens could benefit everyone in so many ways. on Linkedin Email Community Gardens! There is an abundance of space in the park, once the homeless people have a place to go and the city cleans up drug paraphernalia. Community Gardens could benefit everyone in so many ways. link

    Community Gardens! There is an abundance of space in the park, once the homeless people have a place to go and the city cleans up drug paraphernalia. Community Gardens could benefit everyone in so many ways.

    BJD asked 2 months ago

    While there are currently no plans for a community garden in this park, the City recognizes the value of growing local food and creating opportunities for community involvement. Last summer, a food forest was established in the park, where City staff and community volunteers planted fruit trees and edible plants for everyone to enjoy.

  • Share What does a multi-generational playground look like? I would like to see the one that older kids (above 12 years old) can enjoy as well. In New Zealand where I used to live had a fantastic playground. Here's the link for your idea: Margaret Mahy Family Playground | New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora https://share.google/M8y7u9XJb9KL4CHwi Thank you. on Facebook Share What does a multi-generational playground look like? I would like to see the one that older kids (above 12 years old) can enjoy as well. In New Zealand where I used to live had a fantastic playground. Here's the link for your idea: Margaret Mahy Family Playground | New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora https://share.google/M8y7u9XJb9KL4CHwi Thank you. on X (formerly Twitter) Share What does a multi-generational playground look like? I would like to see the one that older kids (above 12 years old) can enjoy as well. In New Zealand where I used to live had a fantastic playground. Here's the link for your idea: Margaret Mahy Family Playground | New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora https://share.google/M8y7u9XJb9KL4CHwi Thank you. on Linkedin Email What does a multi-generational playground look like? I would like to see the one that older kids (above 12 years old) can enjoy as well. In New Zealand where I used to live had a fantastic playground. Here's the link for your idea: Margaret Mahy Family Playground | New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora https://share.google/M8y7u9XJb9KL4CHwi Thank you. link

    What does a multi-generational playground look like? I would like to see the one that older kids (above 12 years old) can enjoy as well. In New Zealand where I used to live had a fantastic playground. Here's the link for your idea: Margaret Mahy Family Playground | New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora https://share.google/M8y7u9XJb9KL4CHwi Thank you.

    Haruyo asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for sharing this example. Our goal is to create a playground that gives people of different ages and abilities something to enjoy, while also providing comfortable spaces for parents and caregivers to spend time and supervise their children. Through our engagement sessions, including conversations with Grade 8 students at George Street Middle School, we've learned a lot about the kinds of play experiences that appeal to older youth. Their feedback, along with input from the broader community, will help us create a playground that is welcoming, engaging, and fun for everyone.

  • Share Are there any plans for a dog park/enclosure within the park? on Facebook Share Are there any plans for a dog park/enclosure within the park? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Are there any plans for a dog park/enclosure within the park? on Linkedin Email Are there any plans for a dog park/enclosure within the park? link

    Are there any plans for a dog park/enclosure within the park?

    DiP asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for your question. There are currently no plans to include a dog park within this park.

  • Share Can the play park and splash pad be fenced in? The splash pad is right beside the Woodstock road and feels unsafe, particularly with an autistic child. on Facebook Share Can the play park and splash pad be fenced in? The splash pad is right beside the Woodstock road and feels unsafe, particularly with an autistic child. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Can the play park and splash pad be fenced in? The splash pad is right beside the Woodstock road and feels unsafe, particularly with an autistic child. on Linkedin Email Can the play park and splash pad be fenced in? The splash pad is right beside the Woodstock road and feels unsafe, particularly with an autistic child. link

    Can the play park and splash pad be fenced in? The splash pad is right beside the Woodstock road and feels unsafe, particularly with an autistic child.

    Gracey asked 2 months ago

    We understand your concern. At this time, there are no plans to fence the play area or splash pad. The park's open design provides clear sightlines to support visibility and supervision. We appreciate your comments and will keep them in mind as the project moves forward.

  • Share can a pickleball court also be added? a modern and quality courts should also be present in the southside. on Facebook Share can a pickleball court also be added? a modern and quality courts should also be present in the southside. on X (formerly Twitter) Share can a pickleball court also be added? a modern and quality courts should also be present in the southside. on Linkedin Email can a pickleball court also be added? a modern and quality courts should also be present in the southside. link

    can a pickleball court also be added? a modern and quality courts should also be present in the southside.

    Neil asked 2 months ago

    While pickleball courts are not currently planned for this site. The City will continue to consider opportunities for pickleball facilities in other locations as future recreation projects are evaluated.

Page last updated: 28 Jul 2026, 12:13 PM