The City of Barrie operates five community garden locations. In 2023, Parks Planning staff initiated a project to revitalize the playground at Eastview Community Park. Planned improvements at Eastview include a new playground, pathway connections, tennis court restoration, court lighting, and a basketball half-court. Due to the scope of the improvements and the related construction, the community garden previously located at Eastview Community Park has been removed and is being permanently relocated to a new location.
Parks Planning staff developed a shortlist of potential relocation sites by auditing parkland within Ward 1 that have existing water access. The southern portion of Dunsmore Park (130 Cheltenham Road) was identified as the most suitable candidate for the garden’s relocation. The park will be close to the path entrance on Cheltenham Road.
About the Location
The new location at Dunsmore Park is approximately a 15-minute walk or a three-minute drive from the former location at Eastview Community Park and will offer:
- 16 garden plots (8 singles, 4 raised, and 4 double plots)
- Direct road and water access
- On-street parking
- Adjacency to an existing naturalized area (to be enhanced) and natural heritage feature (the Georgian Wetlands)
- A minimum 10-m setback from existing residential properties
Project Updates
May 22, 2025
The community garden previously located at Eastview Park has now been removed in preparation for the Eastview Park Playground Revitalization & Site Works project.
Design for the Dunsmore Park Community Garden is complete and construction is expected to begin this summer.
Schedule
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Design | May 2025 |
| Site Preparations | Spring 2025 |
| Anticipated Construction Start | Summer 2025 |
| Anticipated Opening | 2026 |
Public Consultation
Opportunities to share feedback on the proposed concept were offered in March 2025, including an online survey and in-person event. Visit the engagement hub at BuildingBarrie.ca/DunsmoreCommunityGarden for more details.
