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.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    November 2025 Site Evaluation Survey

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Recreation Survey #2

    We are seeking input for the Lively Recreation Project, which will help inform plans to reinvest the $4M from sale of Meatbird Lake back into the Lively community.

    The personal information collected by this survey is collected under the authority of section 10 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 for the purpose of gathering public input regarding the Lively Recreation Project. Comments and personal information submitted become part of the public record, may be viewed by the general public and may be published in a report to Council, included in a Council Agenda and posted on the City's website. Questions relating to the collection, use and disclosure of this personal information may be addressed to the Director of Leisure Services at PO Box 5000, Stn A, 200 Brady St. Sudbury, ON, P3A 5P3, or by telephone at 705-674-4455, extension 2462.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Recreation Survey

    Please answer this short survey to help determine recreation needs and preferences in the Lively/Walden area.

    Submissions will be compiled and shared with the Lively Recreation Advisory Panel as they help staff develop recommendations for consideration by City Council.

  • CLOSED: This application process has concluded.

    Lively Recreation Advisory Panel - Application

    Please answer the following questions. Applicants are encouraged to attach a brief personal resume to their application.

    Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021.

    Completed applications can be submitted through overtoyou.greatersudbury.ca, by email to communications@greatersudbury.ca or in person at the Lively Library and Citizen Service Centre at 15 Kin Drive in Lively.

    Applicants must be 18 years old unless indicated otherwise.

Page last updated: 24 Jul 2026, 01:35 PM