The preferred conceptual plan for the future of Mill Lake Park has been completed and includes preserving Centennial Pool, the baseball diamonds and the boardwalk, while adding a nine-hole disc golf course and an off-leash dog area. .

Other features of the plan include adding an outdoor classroom, a permanent covered stage, terraced seating, an additional playground, food service infrastructure and a possible multi-purpose building or cultural center.

Additionally, the spray park and playground would be expanded, and certain amenities, including bowling, horseshoe pits, table tennis and chess, would be moved to other areas of the park.

The conceptual plan will be presented Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 5) at the council’s regular meeting and is included in the agenda package.

It is the result of the second phase of the Mill Lake Master Plan, which included public input through written comments, survey responses and open houses.

The plan, when completed, will provide a framework for the development and management of the park over the next 15 to 20 years.

The “public engagement report” to council indicates nearly 1,200 people responded to surveys and approximately 500 people attended open houses.

Respondents stated that their top options for the future of Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford are adding a dog park, adding disc golf and keeping Centennial Pool, in that order.

Completing the top five preferences are the reconstruction of the trestle bridge and the conservation of the boardwalk.

The report states there was “strong community support” to maintain and improve the boardwalk, maintain or improve the pool, maintain and improve the ball diamonds, and improve parking and access.

There was also much discussion about the perception of safety and maintenance of the park’s trails and trails, the report states.

Additionally, about 80 percent of respondents welcome some type of food service in the park.

“The strong message from the community is that the park is a vital urban amenity that helps keep Abbotsford residents of all ages and abilities active,” the report states.

“It serves many needs and will continue to do so as Abbotsford’s dynamic and diverse population grows, urbanizes and expands. “The park has a legacy as a gathering place for generations that offers unique events that are an integral part of Abbotsford’s civic identity.”

The first phase, completed in October 2023, featured three potential plans for the park, each of which included several additions and deletions.

One plan included removing the boardwalk, outdoor pool and baseball fields.

The public participation report indicates there was no clear preference from residents for either plan.

The resulting conceptual plan is a combination of the three initial options, based on community feedback, city policy and priorities, fiscal considerations and design expertise, the report states.

The next step in the process includes more public comments and responses from other stakeholders and various council committees to refine the plan.

Staff will then report back to council with the draft master plan at a future meeting.

Once the plan is completed, individual projects will be identified over the years through the budget planning process.

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