Ladysmith residents had a chance to steer the new look of Rutti Park at an open house last week hosted by the town’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department.
The dedicated park at the end of Rothdale Road in south Ladysmith features green space and connections for people strolling the area. The park is part of the former Rutti family farm, established by Hugo Rutti over a century ago. The town purchased the land in 2003 and dedicated the park, in honour of the Rutti family, in 2022. The parks department has been going through a planning process since then which culminated the second park open house on May 17 with three conceptual designs for the area.
The open house attracted an estimated 200-plus people with lots of discussion with town staff and neighbours.
“There were three concepts that were proposed with one concept emerging as presenting the best options for the space,” said Chris Barfoot, director of Parks, Recreation & Culture for the town.
Those attending had an opportunity to make notes and attach them to the three different concepts.
“Most of the comments were small refinements as to the conceptual designs that were presented," Barfoot said. "The drainage, play area and proposed fenced dog area are definitely the most important components that emerged based on the notes and comments.”
The third concept was the one that appeared to gather the largest crowd and had the most comments.
“It was option 3 that people felt best represented the needs of the space," Barfoot said. "However, based on feedback this will need to be revised further and it is too early to say this is what will be presented as it will likely change.“
Barfoot said the next steps include examining the feedback and presenting it to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee in June.
"We will likely further refine the conceptual design based on the meeting in June and anticipate having something more finalized to present back towards the end of this year with a goal to present a final conceptual plan to council in early 2026,” he said.
Barfoot said they are pleased with the turnout and responses to the plans put forward.
"This will provide the [the committee] the valuable feedback to help guide and inform any recommendations they may have," he said. "We know there are challenges with the space and the current uses but feel the emerging concept design will achieve an inclusive neighbourhood gathering space that is welcoming to all those who visit.”
