Overview

Willow Beach Park was identified as a flagship revitalization project in the Town of Georgina’s Waterfront Parks Master Plan in 2023. Council approved proceeding with detailed designs based on the approved master plan concept design.The concept was shaped through extensive public engagement and it reflects the community’s shared vision and priorities for a renewed waterfront park. The concept design illustrates the intended form and function of the future Willow Beach Park as a vibrant waterfront destination in Georgina.

Project Purpose

Guided by the principle of “parks for people, not cars,” the project prioritizes pedestrian access, environmental sustainability, and community wellness. This transformation will create a safer, more inclusive and vibrant waterfront destination that supports both residents and tourism.

This revitalization project will incorporate key features from the master plan, including a lakefront pedestrian and cycling promenade, a widened beach, and reimagined pedestrian-priority streets that improve connectivity to Joel Avenue and Jacksonville Road. The plan includes adding more parking at the west side of the park, screened with trees, and introducing new amenities such as kayak storage, a basketball/play court, expanded playgrounds, and adult fitness stations. A central plaza will support seasonal pop-up retail and food trucks, while new washroom and changeroom facilities will improve visitor comfort.

This revitalization project emphasizes year-round use, with designated lake access for snowmobiles and ice fishing huts in winter.

Through the Town’s Waterfront Parks Master Plan, concept plans were created for key destination parks, including Willow Beach Park, based on extensive public input. Public engagement for all waterfront parks included:

• 16 workshops
• One online survey with more than 1,500 survey responses seeking input on preliminary concepts for each waterfront park
• A second survey seeking input on the revised concept designs for each waterfront park
• Five park pop-up consultation sessions hosted at waterfront parks to provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to see the concept plans in person for all waterfront parks

Of these engagement events, two workshops and one park pop-up were specific to only Willow Beach Park. Detailed designs for Willow Beach Park will be based on the community engagement efforts completed through this master planning process.

The Willow Beach Revitalization Project supports several objectives identified in the Town’s Official Plan, including:

• Maintaining and enhancing public access to the water and commercial/recreational uses that provide residents and visitors with opportunities to enjoy Lake Simcoe. Supporting these uses particularly where they have the ability to provide an economic impact in the community;
• Continuation of the extensive pedestrian and bicycle trail system that follows the Lake Simcoe shoreline; and
• Preventing increases in contaminant loads, including phosphorus, to Lake Simcoe by utilizing low-impact development principles.