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<\/p>\nA European-style food plaza, an amphitheatre similar to the one at High Park in Toronto and a skating trail are among ideas being considered as the city looks to significantly enhance a large parkland area in the heart of Mississauga.<\/p>\n
The City of Mississauga is in the midst of a plan to dramatically increase the size and connectivity of parks in the Cooksville area in an effort to make sure a fast-growing City Centre population has access to adequate \u2014 and engaging \u2014 green spaces in future.<\/p>\n
City officials said earlier it has become clear \u201c\u2026that Mississauga\u2019s existing downtown parks will not be able to support the growing population over the next 20 years.\u201d<\/p>\n
As such, the city has invested in significantly expanding park space in the Cooksville neighbourhood \u201cto provide better access to green spaces and address the parkland deficit.\u201d<\/p>\n
City officials said in 2023 that 20 acres of newly acquired properties were being added to Cooksville Park and Iggy Kaneff Park (formerly Camilla Park) to create larger, more connected parkland in the Cooksville area (see image below).<\/p>\n
Cooksville is located just minutes south of Mississauga\u2019s downtown core along Hurontario Street.<\/p>\n
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The park-growing initiative, officials have said, will change the face of Mississauga\u2019s urban downtown landscape.<\/p>\n
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Images show existing Cooksville Park and Iggy Kaneff Park (solid green in image at right) and new parkland added to enhance the green spaces (striped areas). (Images: City of Mississauga Ward 7 Coun. Dipika Damerla online community update).<\/p>\n
In an email update to the community earlier this week, Mississauga Ward 7 Coun. Dipika Damerla said she\u2019s \u201cexcited about the early designs\u201d being considered for the Cooksville parks.<\/p>\n
She added the early designs \u201care just that, very early, and they are the result of public consultation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Further consultation with the community is planned, Damerla added, noting at that time the city will present ideas for Cooksville Park and Iggy Kaneff Park that could include:<\/p>\n
A skating trail
\nLabyrinth
\nHigh Park-style amphitheatre
\nNative garden
\nEuropean-style plaza where park visitors can buy food and eat outdoors
\nAttractive spaces for people to hang out<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted a park that people can do fun things like watch a play, run through a maze or buy an ice cream while the kids play, or a couple can go on a date and grab a coffee,\u201d the councillor said in her update to constituents, adding she also envisions \u201ca park where there are winter activities \u2014 a park that is more than trails, picnic spots and playgrounds.\u201d<\/p>\n
Damerla said the upcoming second round of public consultations will garner additional feedback before the city finalizes designs and starts construction in 2027.<\/p>\n
\u201cParks are important. They promote physical activity, mental well-being, provide leisure and recreational spaces and help with climate change,\u201d city officials said in early 2023<\/a>. \u201cParks also provide a safe place for communities to connect, enjoy the outdoors and be active.\u201d<\/p>\n Cooksville Park is located in the area south of Dundas Street East and just east of Hurontario Street while Iggy Kaneff Park is located just to the south of Cooksville Park, south of The Queensway East.<\/p>\n