Lively/Walden: Help Shape Your Future

A supervised public beach will be available this summer at Centennial Park, 400 Graham Rd. in Whitefish.

The Lively Recreation Project is focused on creating a new community park centred on water and animated by four-season passive recreation opportunities for all ages. The vision is to create a welcoming gathering place that reflects Lively's identity and supports cultural activities, play and everyday connections, while remaining accessible and connected to the broader community. Funding for the project comes from the reinvestment of proceeds from the sale of Meatbird Lake Park. These funds are dedicated to enhancing parks and recreation infrastructure in the Lively/Walden community.

Project background

The project builds on several years of community input and planning led by the Lively Recreation Advisory Panel, which was established in 2021 to guide the development of new recreation opportunities in the Walden/Lively area. Community engagement conducted in 2021 and 2022 consistently identified a desire for outdoor, water-focused experiences, trails and multi-generational spaces. Residents also expressed strong support for investing in a single, high-quality destination. Following this work, a detailed design process and additional public consultation were completed to refine options for a new recreational amenity. Three potential sites were evaluated, and Anderson Farm Museum was identified as the preferred location because it best aligned with the project's goals, community needs and long-term vision.

Current phase

In May 2026, City Council approved Anderson Farm Museum as the location for the investment of project funds. The decision confirms the next phase of the project will move forward at this site. Additional design development and planning work will be required before construction begins. The proposed reimagining of Anderson Farm Park reflects community priorities and consultant recommendations. It focuses on creating a unique destination with strong ties to the site's heritage.

Key elements being explored include:

  • A water-focused experience, including a flat-water feature and interactive water play
  • Trails and pathways that support walking, cycling and winter skating
  • Destination play areas for children and families
  • Community gathering spaces that support events and everyday use
  • A public sauna and wellness space that reflects regional culture and community wellness goals
  • Flexible spaces that celebrate the agricultural and cultural history of Anderson Farm

These features are intended to create a vibrant, four-season park that supports recreation, wellness and community connection.

Next steps

Next steps for the project include:

  • Refining the design and exploring phasing options that align with available funding
  • Developing a complete project budget and funding strategy through the 2027 budget process
  • Confirming operational plans, including maintenance and programming requirements
  • Continuing to engage the community as the design evolves

The goal is to deliver a high-quality, long-term investment that will grow with the community and become the heart of Lively.

The Lively Recreation Project is focused on creating a new community park centred on water and animated by four-season passive recreation opportunities for all ages. The vision is to create a welcoming gathering place that reflects Lively's identity and supports cultural activities, play and everyday connections, while remaining accessible and connected to the broader community. Funding for the project comes from the reinvestment of proceeds from the sale of Meatbird Lake Park. These funds are dedicated to enhancing parks and recreation infrastructure in the Lively/Walden community.

Project background

The project builds on several years of community input and planning led by the Lively Recreation Advisory Panel, which was established in 2021 to guide the development of new recreation opportunities in the Walden/Lively area. Community engagement conducted in 2021 and 2022 consistently identified a desire for outdoor, water-focused experiences, trails and multi-generational spaces. Residents also expressed strong support for investing in a single, high-quality destination. Following this work, a detailed design process and additional public consultation were completed to refine options for a new recreational amenity. Three potential sites were evaluated, and Anderson Farm Museum was identified as the preferred location because it best aligned with the project's goals, community needs and long-term vision.

Current phase

In May 2026, City Council approved Anderson Farm Museum as the location for the investment of project funds. The decision confirms the next phase of the project will move forward at this site. Additional design development and planning work will be required before construction begins. The proposed reimagining of Anderson Farm Park reflects community priorities and consultant recommendations. It focuses on creating a unique destination with strong ties to the site's heritage.

Key elements being explored include:

  • A water-focused experience, including a flat-water feature and interactive water play
  • Trails and pathways that support walking, cycling and winter skating
  • Destination play areas for children and families
  • Community gathering spaces that support events and everyday use
  • A public sauna and wellness space that reflects regional culture and community wellness goals
  • Flexible spaces that celebrate the agricultural and cultural history of Anderson Farm

These features are intended to create a vibrant, four-season park that supports recreation, wellness and community connection.

Next steps

Next steps for the project include:

  • Refining the design and exploring phasing options that align with available funding
  • Developing a complete project budget and funding strategy through the 2027 budget process
  • Confirming operational plans, including maintenance and programming requirements
  • Continuing to engage the community as the design evolves

The goal is to deliver a high-quality, long-term investment that will grow with the community and become the heart of Lively.

  • October 19, 2022

    • The panel reconvenes to reflect on the report presented to them in the past meeting.
    • Steps for City Council transition pending the upcoming election are discussed.
    • Staff will recommend that existing Panel members be re-appointed for the next term to retain project knowledge.
    • City staff will take the engagement results, Panel input and discussions and present a report to Council to determine next steps for the project.
    • The panel reconvenes to reflect on the report presented to them in the past meeting.
    • Steps for City Council transition pending the upcoming election are discussed.
    • Staff will recommend that existing Panel members be re-appointed for the next term to retain project knowledge.
    • City staff will take the engagement results, Panel input and discussions and present a report to Council to determine next steps for the project.

  • August 31, 2022

    • The Panel attends a presentation from Oracle Poll.
    • The presentation detailed results and analysis from the project’s second public engagement.
    • The Panel discusses what they expected to hear in the results, what surprised them about the results, and provided feedback on the report.
    • The report was sent to Panel members for their individual review.
    • The Panel attends a presentation from Oracle Poll.
    • The presentation detailed results and analysis from the project’s second public engagement.
    • The Panel discusses what they expected to hear in the results, what surprised them about the results, and provided feedback on the report.
    • The report was sent to Panel members for their individual review.

  • June 1, 2022

    • The Panel attends a presentation prepared by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants.
    • The presentation provides panel members with examples comparable recreation projects throughout Ontario and Canada
    • The presentation provided the Panel with a cost analysis, photos, concept designs for several projects related to the key themes expressed by the community during the first round of engagement. This presentation was intended to support members by applying context to inform the recommendations they will make to City staff and Council.
    • The Panel attends a presentation prepared by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants.
    • The presentation provides panel members with examples comparable recreation projects throughout Ontario and Canada
    • The presentation provided the Panel with a cost analysis, photos, concept designs for several projects related to the key themes expressed by the community during the first round of engagement. This presentation was intended to support members by applying context to inform the recommendations they will make to City staff and Council.

  • May 4, 2022

    • The Panel participates in a tour of each location that will be considered in the next engagement survey
    • The Panel presents recommendations for the next engagement survey based on the information from this tour
    • Locations were chosen based on the results and feedback of the first community engagement and included Centennial Park, Simon Lake Park, Lively Ski Hill, Sixth Avenue Playground, The Seniors Centre, Anderson Farm and the Tom Davies Arena and surrounding parking lots.
    • The Panel participates in a tour of each location that will be considered in the next engagement survey
    • The Panel presents recommendations for the next engagement survey based on the information from this tour
    • Locations were chosen based on the results and feedback of the first community engagement and included Centennial Park, Simon Lake Park, Lively Ski Hill, Sixth Avenue Playground, The Seniors Centre, Anderson Farm and the Tom Davies Arena and surrounding parking lots.

  • April 27, 2022

    • The Panel provides feedback and guidance for City staff for community engagement of the second survey
    • Key themes and questions are discussed by the Panel relating to the second survey
    • City staff advise the Panel about ongoing recreational projects in the Lively/Walden area to inform their decision making. Specifically, playground and outdoor court revitalizations.
    • The Panel provides feedback and guidance for City staff for community engagement of the second survey
    • Key themes and questions are discussed by the Panel relating to the second survey
    • City staff advise the Panel about ongoing recreational projects in the Lively/Walden area to inform their decision making. Specifically, playground and outdoor court revitalizations.

  • April 12, 2022

    City Council approves the nomination of to fill the older adult resident vacancy on the panel. The new panel member has been formally welcomed and introduced to the project by City staff. They will join the panel for the next meeting on April 27, 2022.

    Watch the recorded Nominating Committee Meeting here

    City Council approves the nomination of to fill the older adult resident vacancy on the panel. The new panel member has been formally welcomed and introduced to the project by City staff. They will join the panel for the next meeting on April 27, 2022.

    Watch the recorded Nominating Committee Meeting here

  • March 23, 2022

    • At the request of the Panel, a guest speaker presents key information about Simon Lake and its potential as a recreation amenity for investment
    • High levels of phosphorus and previous attempts to remediate the lake are key facts considered by the Panel
    • Collectively, they determine not to proceed with Simon Lake as an option for the project
    • Next steps for the second round The Panel discusses next steps for community engagement with City Staff
    • At the request of the Panel, a guest speaker presents key information about Simon Lake and its potential as a recreation amenity for investment
    • High levels of phosphorus and previous attempts to remediate the lake are key facts considered by the Panel
    • Collectively, they determine not to proceed with Simon Lake as an option for the project
    • Next steps for the second round The Panel discusses next steps for community engagement with City Staff

  • February 23, 2022

    • The Panel receives a message from Mayor Bigger
    • Futures North presents to the panel on youth engagement
    • The Panel discusses the second phase of engagement with City Staff to ensure maximum opportunity for resident input
    • The Panel is presented with some examples of past recreational projects, active projects, and initiatives within the City of Greater Sudbury
    • The Panel receives a message from Mayor Bigger
    • Futures North presents to the panel on youth engagement
    • The Panel discusses the second phase of engagement with City Staff to ensure maximum opportunity for resident input
    • The Panel is presented with some examples of past recreational projects, active projects, and initiatives within the City of Greater Sudbury

  • January 26, 2022

    • A Panel vacancy was announced and steps to fill the position were reviewed
    • The report to City Council with key findings was reviewed and discussed

    Key findings included:

    • Targeted youth engagement is required
    • Collaboration with Atikameksheng Anishnawbek should be undertaken
    • Emphasis on the budget will need to be reiterated to manage community expectations
    • The project investment should be low or no cost to residents, and should target projects which provide accessible recreation options
    • Central themes for residents are the establishment or enhancement of a swimming feature, the development of active outdoor amenities, and co-located with community gathering spaces
    • A Panel vacancy was announced and steps to fill the position were reviewed
    • The report to City Council with key findings was reviewed and discussed

    Key findings included:

    • Targeted youth engagement is required
    • Collaboration with Atikameksheng Anishnawbek should be undertaken
    • Emphasis on the budget will need to be reiterated to manage community expectations
    • The project investment should be low or no cost to residents, and should target projects which provide accessible recreation options
    • Central themes for residents are the establishment or enhancement of a swimming feature, the development of active outdoor amenities, and co-located with community gathering spaces

  • November 17, 2021

    • The results from the first community engagement process are reviewed with the Panel members
    • These findings are discussed and summarized to inform the recommendations report to City Council
    • The results from the first community engagement process are reviewed with the Panel members
    • These findings are discussed and summarized to inform the recommendations report to City Council
Page last updated: 24 Jul 2026, 01:35 PM