New parks aim to bring nature and play closer to growing residential sectors
GRANBY — The City of Granby officially opened five new neighbourhood parks on Aug. 21, expanding local green space and introducing a series of recreational amenities intended to serve families and nearby residents in rapidly developing parts of the city.
The municipal announcement detailed a range of installations across the sites: four play structures, two water-play features, five table-tennis tables, six chess installations, four lounge chairs, three picnic tables, three adult swings, two drinking fountains and 14 benches. Officials said the projects respond to goals set out in Granby’s Parks Master Plan, including improving park availability in outlying neighbourhoods while prioritising accessibility and safety.
“Five parks in such a short period of time is an achievement we are proud of,”
Mayor Julie Bourdon said in the city’s statement that the programme represents one of Granby’s most significant investments in green-space development. She added the municipality wants the spaces to meet the needs of families and other users, and that providing access to nature within neighbourhoods is an important priority.
François Lemay, the municipal councillor responsible for sports infrastructure, parks and sustainable mobility, described the developments as places where residents can be active and relax outdoors.
“We know the benefits of being outdoors for collective well-being, and we are happy to offer places where people can enjoy gathering outside,”
Names and local ties
Each park was given a name honouring a person who contributed to the community: Jacques Paré, Philippe-Ernest Thibodeau, Roland Gagné, Adrienne Beaudry-Dumas and Gérard Allard. The city said designers drew on either the life or background of each namesake or features of the specific site when planning the layouts.
One example listed in the announcement is Parc Jacques-Paré, located at 306 rue de l’Hémérocalle, which recognises Paré’s involvement in local initiatives. The city emphasised that locating parks in recently growing sectors was intentional, to provide closer access to outdoor space for people who live in those neighbourhoods.
What the facilities offer — at a glance
- Play equipment and water-play options for children
- Seating and picnic infrastructure for families and small gatherings
- Recreational installations such as table-tennis, chess, and adult swings
| Amenity | Quantity (total across five parks) |
|---|---|
| Play structures | 4 |
| Water-play structures | 2 |
| Table-tennis tables | 5 |
| Chess installations | 6 |
| Bench seating | 14 |
City officials framed the openings as a response to population growth at the edges of Granby. The projects are part of a strategic plan to distribute municipal parks more evenly and ensure neighbourhoods on the city’s outskirts have accessible, safe outdoor spaces.
Local residents now have additional nearby options for play, relaxation and informal gatherings. As the city continues to implement its Parks Master Plan, officials say similar projects may follow to meet evolving needs in other developing areas.
