Old Walkerville's Art in the Park will Flood no More

The City of Windsor has started to lay drains in Windsor's Willistead Park to remediate floods that have historically plagued the city's popular "Art in the Park" week-end on a near annual basis. This will be good news for vendors and patrons alike. Art in the Park has been cancelled or closed on a number of occasions due to mud and flooding. These images show the drain lines and basins that are being routed through the park.
Many local residents around the park are concerned that the Parks Department is defacing the park with a paved path that is planned to run over top of the new drainage. They stress that any path will destroy the historical intent of the Walker property that is considered to be the heart and soul of Old Walkerville. The stated purpose of the upgrade is for vehicular access (maintenance vehicles) and wheel chair access. Residents do not want any paths, paved or cobbed as this will destroy the historical design and aesthetic that is very much a part of the Willistead property. Asphalt simply does not belong in this park. Art in the Park vendors can access the park as they always have and still experience a better event with the potential for flooding nixed. If wheelchair access is what its all about then maybe it would be wiser to improve the existing paths and keep it simple. Catering too much to one event (Art in the Park) will alter the nature of the park for the balance of the year. Nobody see's any benefit to a park that looks like its intent is to accomodate a year round flea market.
If residents are concerned or curious they should call 311 or contact their councillor, Alan Halberstadt to address their concerns:
Phone: (519) 973-8323
ahalberstadt@city.windsor.on.ca




Basins and supplies for near by street upgrade at Willistead Crescent





Trenching and burying drains.