Huntsville Councillor Bob Stone, speaking in his role as council representative on the board of the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA), said that the park will be beautiful once the trees grow.
“In 15 years, it’s going to be beautiful with lots of shade but right now, yes, it is more rock and cement than it is vegetation, but we have to give it a chance to grow,” he insisted.
He said comments on Doppler from community members stating that council does not like trees are incorrect. “We do love the trees. We made sure there were going to be 43 trees on Main Street, and there are and because of the soil cells they’re going to grow big and beautiful.”
Stone said the budget for Kent Park came in under $350,000.
For those who question why money was spent redesigning the park in the first place, Stone had this to say: “It wasn’t a park, it wasn’t a parking lot. It wasn’t really usable for anything, yes there was a big beautiful pine tree there and I hated to see that go, and there were some big trees in the back corner, that I really hated to see go as well, however, it wasn’t functional as a park or as a parking lot.”
He said once vegetation sets in and the trees grow it will be “a beautiful place to be. Buskers can play there. People can go there and play chess,” he said, adding that the BIA is thinking of adding a large chess board to the space and providing other programming at the square.
“Please give the trees a chance to grow and it’ll be a park you will love, that’s all I can say,” he added.
As far as removing valuable parking spaces, Stone said: “I believe there were five parking spaces and we have added many more than five parking spaces both behind Town Hall on the property that we purchased, around the corner on John Street there are 10 spots there.”
Stone said the BIA has a parking committee looking at the issue “so there’s some new things coming forward from the BIA eventually but for now, there is more parking downtown than there was a year ago,” he noted.
He also said council looked at putting a water fountain in the park, a pergola with a fireplace, “and we were trying to design by committee and that rarely goes well, so we pulled back and said ‘let’s do a small area where activities can happen. We’ll have three different seating areas, lots of other seating on the rocks, and we’ll have trees and plants all around and it will be beautiful, and I believe it will be beautiful if we give the trees time to grow.”
Related stories:
Kent Park redesign has been completed
Kent Park design to stand, after Huntsville council debates minor changes
Council narrows in on Kent Park redesign
Council to reconsider Kent Park redesign for more of a ‘wow’ factor
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Please no fire in this location ! Just another weapon for witless vandals to access and damage .
It seems to be appropriate to try and understand why the Kent Park rebuild and other streetscape aspects have been such a failure. You have to go back to 2010 when the town engaged a very respected Urban Design company , the Planning Partnership, to spend 3 days in Huntsville. There were extensive meetings and consultations with the public and all interested parties and they produced a widely acclaimed report that would form the basis for future downtown development. This report was approved by the council members at the time.
When the time came to refer to it with the recent streetscape most of the recommendations were ignored. The EngageMuskoka website chose to use some of the artists renderings from the earlier study , particularly of Kent Park and the Main Street. This turned out to be completely misleading.
The design brief that we paid for and that was so widely approved urged a Muskoka theme with natural boulders and plantings. A design that would have set us apart from all the other Ontario streetscapes and been true to what Muskoka is famous for. It also urged that the roadwork be built in such a way as to minimize the impact of the road and make the impression that our downtown is a place where pedestrians take precedence. What we got is a lot of square block granite and a shiny black asphalt road adorned with all the road markings to emphasize that cars rule. The overall impression is that this is an important thoroughfare to zip through town, not a place to slow down and enjoy. One might imagine that this was a streetscape designed by an engineering company instead of an urban design company……well that seems to be what happened.
On the positive I would applaud the tree planting which used the soil cells underground to make sure the trees can be watered and fertilized properly. The size of the trees is disappointing as their impact will not be enjoyed for many years but eventually they will provide the biggest impact of any of the work that has been done and will soften the endless concrete and asphalt.
Meanwhile we are stuck with the results of decisions made by people who should not be expected to understand the subtleties and nuances of good design. Why we chose to ignore the experts who gave us such a great template to work from is a mystery to me. It would be good to hear the reasoning.
Sequoia Henry,
NO, do not leave Muskoka. This is among the most beautiful places in Canada to vacation or live.
All towns make mistakes. This one can be corrected if the town council is listening to its people. A Gazebo would soften the look of Kent Park and make it far more comfortable for all ages year round. By the time it’s old and needs to be replaced the trees should be tall and full enough to do the trick, maybe.
Let’s wait and see what the town council does knowing the majority of it’s people would like to see an improvement of this park.
I agree with those who have suggested a gazebo for the centre of the park. It would be beautiful in winter or summer and could be outlined in white lights for added visual appeal. At the holidays, it could sport a Christmas tree in the center, and provide shelter from the sun and rain in the summer.
Word from the wise – get out of Muskoka while you still can 🙂 grass is greener the farther you get
I would like to add, in response to the remark, “there are groups other than the elderly”, that I would have to agree. There are many little children vacationing with their parents in our beautiful town. Thank goodness they have the lovely playground by River Mill Park. Because, you sure wouldn’t want them running around and climbing all over hard edged and potentially dangerous boulders and rocks. But, that’s just an elderly, grump old person’s opinion.
Kargâ Persé, I am sufficiently knowledge in the science of hydrology to know that if everyone assumed that their small space would not make a difference to flooding we would have a serious problem. It is surprising how much water can fall in one area the size of Kent Park. Most of the area around the narrows in Huntsville is composed of hard surfaces and adding one more is not helpful particularly in the flood plane that exists in that area.
I had hoped to see a permeable “surface” used in Kent Park. I did not say permeable “stone”. There are many permeable surfaces available that would be very suitable in our cold winters. They are not uncommon. The Catholic Church in Huntsville installed one for their parking lot next to the church several years ago and it appears to work well.
It is a shame that a permeable surface was not installed there but I think it is a great idea to have a gathering space and a place to relax outdoors in the downtown Huntsville area. I believe is will be well used.
The redesign is simply a mistake that needs to be corrected immediately.
Toronto protects their trees and green space FAR more than Muskoka.
There was cool shade on the grass beside the existing trees.
One was decorated at Christmas.
The tiny sticks that took their place will be dead from the heat in less than 15 months.
A Christmas movie was filmed their earlier.
Now it’s only suitable for a dystopian Mad Max reboot.
Huntsville is NOT going to put up with this eyesore for the next 15 years at least.
It’s no wonder so few residents bother to get involved when their thoughtful suggestions of Muskoka green space and water are totally ignored by council and councillors like Bob Stone.
Perhaps in the meantime vandals can improve the look of the park with colourful graffiti of trees, water and greenspace on the barren rocks.
It couldn’t be worse.
The first part of a solution is admitting there is a problem.
Immediate solutions include removing most of the pavers and rocks and putting the topsoil back with sod. Take out the sticks and plant medium size trees for at least some immediate shade and review the earlier suggestions of a central fountain and/or fireplace log gazebo.
Bob Stone not involved.
Last time I checked I think I remember that you can buy mature trees, they cost a little more, but what the heck, it’s only tax payer money. The town will soon start neglecting the park and and the local vandalism squad will spray paint and destroy what they can.
So much for trying to make a special place to sit for a while and count your blessings.
Invest in CCTV cameras and make make the vandals pay for the damage that they will inevitably cause.
“Disregard the comments from the grumpy old people” Hey, hey now! All comments are welcome and ought to be regarded (the more considered and well-presented, the better), regardless of any contributor’s age or disposition. It’s the outright rejection of others’ thoughts and perspective (just as you suggest here) that puts us all in the current bad state.
Regarding the new space on the corner — it’s awful. Just got back from a city in Germany where they keep untended wild grass, plants and shrubs in medians and in both small and large park spaces; it is very scenic, welcoming and even shady. Then yesterday drove along the Danforth in TO where planters with large temporary/seasonal greenery abound. It is not hard to find better ideas to model from.
I admit I did not volunteer to be part of any committee or forum taking part in this decision. I know we rely on public servants, staff/experts (who are hopefully listened-to) and those who show up/speak up at meetings, and I realize actual choices must be made. However: three hundred and fifty thousand dollars? Wouldn’t we love to know all the details that go in to these decisions?
I would like to know did we actually pay someone to ‘design’ this space !
What an abomination, no shade , beautiful evergreen cut down , no grass, tiny trees that I and many other residents will never see any shade from . If it wasn’t so pathetic it would be laughable.
Just because I disagree with the new changes doesn’t mean I don’t like change. What I don’t like is the stripping of trees that has been going on in this town over the past few years. I am willing to concede that pine trees drip sap and so perhaps pine was not the proper tree for that space. But bigger trees could have been purchased to replace them. What I find most disturbing while driving through town is the whiteness of the new pavement (yes I know it will darken with age, duh). There is no colour, no planters, no flowers. I too will be too old to enjoy the trees when they mature, but I doubt I would sit there anyway because I seldom wander around downtown. I also concede that this is a tourist town and they do wander around town. Grass with a central courtyard and gazebo or benches would have been cheaper and more aesthetically pleasing.
The “plant trees “in a previous comment, is a profound little nugget by Nelson Henderson. He too was likely a fan of Aldo Leopold, an ecologist, conservationist and planter of trees; particularly pine.
Murray Christenson: I have no idea how old you are; younger than myself perhaps.
But grumpy and old my …….posterior. If my comment is a complaint, then I should accept yours as an observation? Wont happen! Allow us some latitude, we “grumpy old people”.
I offer in reply, the inscription on the tomb of Thomas Gooding “As you are now even so was I”. You can look it up. I find it rather profound also.
I’m not fond of what they have done to Kent Park. An opinion, if you will.
And now I remember where I’ve seen that much granite, but not in a mountain.
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Kudos to the design committee for a significant upgrade to our downtown. Disregard the comments from the grumpy old people…they’ll complain about anything.
Thank you Huntsville town council, genuinely caring businesses and residents for participating in the process of maintaining, upgrading and beautifying the object of our love and pride.
We are, collectively committed to the husbandry of this, our very special acreage and lifestyle and indeed, we enjoy something of unique value.
It is understated that we are deeply passionate about our Huntsville and it’s bucolic appeal which stirs special memories and recalls a more innocent time and less complicated lifestyle.
I believe that all of our opinions are worthy of note, that we should not be close-minded to change and that our voices of dissent and displeasure are part of a healthy conversation helping us to move together through care and understand, in the knowledge that each of us has their own personal perspective of the completed product.
Let us agree that our differences of opinion add colour and depth to our living experience as we try to find a pleasing outcome for us all.
It does look like a barren landscape and that is disappointing. A few larger trees would have been nice. However, the pines, as beautiful as they are, are not good for sitting under. I have several large pines in my yard and anything under them is covered in sap. If you put seating underneath they will be covered with sap and your clothing ruined. Time is the answer, unfortunately a lot of us including myself probably don’t have those 15 years. Lets consider this park for the future. In the mean time the gazebo idea sounds really good.
Lanor Lovegrove I totally agree a gazebo would add to the overwhelming stone and would give shade and protection from rain.
Ms. Lovegrove: what is the basis of your assertion that this is “very much a retirement community?” Neither statistics Canada nor the age groups buying into developments support your assertion.
The elderly are not the ONLY age group to consider in the design elements.
I am sorry that some people will not be around to reap the benefits of the shade that the trees will provide. Again, this is not the only design element to consider. This is an event space made all more user friendly for event organizers by its current openness.
And as for flooding, per Ms. Konarzewski’s comment, I’’m assuming that you are a civil engineer with specialization in hydrodynamics. The reality is that a space of this size will not lead to any greater flooding risk. Do you really think that permeable stone would stand up to the winters in Muskoka?
I don’t have enough time to wait fifteen years for trees to mature enough to provide ample shade for sitting under. As this is very much a retirement community, there will be many more like me. Would it be possible to put a Gazebo there until this growth happens.
I am putting this question to all the knowledgeable people who are responsible for what is there-or not there-now.
At my age I won’t be around long enough to see the trees grow !!!
Remember that we voted Bob stone out already. The town simply re-appointed him back into his position again. We need to prevent that farce from happening again.
Too bad that they couldn’t put a pine in the centre for colour in the winter and decorate for Christmas.
It is very disappointing that a permeable surface wasn’t used. All those rocks and paving stones will shed water rapidly increasing flood risk in an area that is prone to flooding. The new trees may not get the water they need to flourish with so little permeable space around the drip line around them. As the trees grow this will become an increasing problem for them and these trees will become stressed and will not thrive as they should.
P.S. The bad news is that I will be dead before the trees will grow. Very POOR design.
The good news is that it will pretty hard for the local moron vandals to destroy the rocks.
Ok I realize Mr Stone isn’t old but since I can remember I’ve seen the trees on main street cut down and replaced at least 3 times. I’m sure if you look back on pictures from the past you will see of which I am talking about. The first time I remember them being cut down was either in the late 50,s or early 60,s. I remember it because my mother was so upset . I also remember hearing of a water feature that was in front of the town hall that was used for watering horses. And the fact they sold it for scrap, Bracebridge still has there’s down near the bridge. Anyway the whole of main from Lorne to the bridge I think looks really awful and the parking is a mess.
Councillor Stone: If you are responding of your own volition, and not as one designated by the rest, then good on you. I suppose the others just don’t give a d#@n. I am not of the same opinion as you, but there you go. I do seem to find myself among the majority on this one, at least here on Doppler. Not something that happens often for me.
I do note there was a comment, a burst of verbosity if you will, on Democracy 101! Another person, firmly convinced that if you have an opinion other than his or hers, then you are ill informed and ‘don’t get it’, as the expression goes. And in response to his challenge, I’ve done my share, from foster children to seniors services, and have the pins and awards to prove it, should anyone care to see them.
Another comment was made as to the type of tree we needed. Oak or maple, beech, birch, basswood; all may be preferable as shade trees, I concede, but I have never banged my head on the branches of a mature pine. And we had the pine already. No need to put it down.
As to the comfort offered by a rock, I will abstain from taking that easy shot.
I also have a bit of a time problem. In fifteen years, I will be 92. Maybe I’ll need a branch from one those trees, for a walking stick. If the heat and salt doesn’t get them, before time gets me.
I say again. Good on you.
You have chosen to respond. I will concede you must care.
Bravo Karga Perse.
Just a clarification of some of the comments posted here. If one looks at the pictures of the “old” Kent Park one can see 2 very large evergreen trees and one smaller evergreen. There is only ONE bench and it was made of granite. Evergreen trees are generally NOT shade trees as they take far too much space near ground level thereby not allowing visitors to sit under the tree. Deciduous trees like maples and oaks do provide summertime shade with lots of space under them. Be patient and let the trees grow.
There is lots of seating now at Kent Park, in Muskoka chairs, a “rainbow” bench and countless flat granite boulders. None of these are intended to be like your easy chair at home and provide hours of seating comfort. The new seating will provide momentary rest for our visitors that just want to take a few minutes to stop and recharge.
Kent Park has improved drastically from the last edition. Forward thinking with a good dose of practicality.
Once again, I agree with others that this ‘design’ and I use the word begrudgingly, lacks elements of water, trees, comfort, calm. It’s not inviting. It’s harsh and cold looking. Sitting on the hard rocks is uncomfortable and just not doable for some people.
Bob Stone, you say that in 15 years it’s going to be beautiful with lots of shade. Give it time, you say. Well, it had shade before. Also, in 15 years I’ll be 82 years old! Give it time, you say.
If this was the only spot that was stripped of its green space I’d would say, hmmm. But, we’re losing so many trees under the guise of progress when in fact, it’s financially driven (or so it seems) that we locals do need to be concerned and take action.
Finally, I consider the comments as feedback, not criticism. But, whatever floats your boat.
Mr. Braan’s comment is ill-informed and demonstrates both a lack of understanding of civics and democracy coupled with his unwillingness to accept change.
Simply following the work of the Town and decisions of Council over the past term shows the significant consultation that took place to hear the voices of as many people impacted by these changes as possible.
In a democracy, we do our best to incorporate a consultative approach and not all people will necessarily get exactly what they want. This space represents the heart of the democratic process for those that chose to be a part of the process. To this end, the park represents more than a new, open public space, that will become more green with every passing year. The park represents the very foundation upon which this Country has been built.
Change is inevitable. Change can be challenging. Mr. Braan, through his commentary, shows that he belongs to the masses that refuse to accept the continuing evolution of our beloved Town as it continues its inevitable growth.
To state that the election is the only avenue to affect change is egregiously short sighted. Getting out and voting is a democratic duty. It is but one way to be part of the democratic process. There are so many ways to productively involve oneself in directing change in our community.
I challenge Mr. Braan and others that sit on the sidelines to get active in our community instead of simply pointing out the shortcomings of well-intentioned community leaders from behind a keyboard.
Beautiful trees and grass were already there and were destroyed in favour of a barren, dead, outdated, graffiti-friendly, hot as Hades, concrete moonscape.
15 years from now? Seriously? Wow.
The existing large trees could have been incorporated instead of clear cut.
Obviously Councillor Bob Stone and anyone else who approved/approves of this disaster needs to go this fall. That’s all residents can directly do about it.
Correction of Council’s obvious, expensive mistake needs to start now.
With new councillors who know/appreciate what Muskoka is all about.