New adult fitness structures at the Parc des Cèdres

Stephane Berimbere

 

Parc des Cèdres is undergoing some infrastructure upgrades estimated to cost $22.5 million. In the early stages of the plan, the city of Gatineau, as part of its four-year investment plan for parks and recreational, sports and community infrastructure, expected the construction of the physical fitness city-wide path to end in 2018. This plan included the construction of similar infrastructures in the sectors of Hull and Gatineau.

At the launch of the plan, the city spokesperson stated that the fitness path will include various activities conducted in a natural or urban environment. There will be circuits supplied by Trekfit a Quebec-based company, that include Benchfit, Vitalia, among others.  As described on the Trekfit website, “Vitalia was created for seniors and people who want a gentle exercise routine, each Vitalia station has two simple exercises that require very little strength or experience. Most movements in this circuit promote leg strength and trunk muscles so as to prevent falls”.

On April 18, 2018, a public consultation was held about the redevelopment of the Parc des Cèdres. Prior to the consultation in March of the same year, members of the Club de voile Grande-Rivière were alarmed by some aspects of the plan. Club members worried about the utility of the club space in the new building at the shoreline.  Particularly concerned were members who sail on the Ottawa River with the Marina at the southern entrance to the park. They spoke to officials about the reduced number of nearby parking spaces. The sailing community opposed moving the shipyard and changing the water access protocols. Following concerns raised the club members, the city officials promised to look into it and consider their improvement suggestions in the plan.

Additionally, the plan included the construction of a restaurant in the Marina pavilion, which was recently completed. The city’s executive committee approved on March 24, a five-year lease agreement with an Aylmer based entrepreneur, to operate a restaurant inside the Robert-Middlemiss Pavilion, that includes event spaces for rent, until May 31, 2026.

The upgrade of the Parc des Cèdres was approved in 2018 as part of a masterplan aimed at opening up the park and improving its accessibility, giving back the riparian space to the community, promoting culture and art, as well as promoting physical activity throughout the whole year.
The new adult exterior exercise units, present in different parts of the province, will be enjoyed by fans of outdoor activities.

As initially stated by outgoing Aylmer district councillor Audrey Bureau, the project was initially included in the city’s revitalization plan for the Parc des Cèdres. The newly built installation located at the bottom of Derwin and Arthur-Croteau streets is a long-time request from park users that has been fulfilled.