Loudon Park improvement project reaches a significant milestone

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed October 8, 2026 1:58 PM

Summary

Design work for the new community building at Loudon park has been substantially completed marking a significant milestone in the redevelopment of this well-loved destination park. The final design reflects the extensive planning, technical review, and community engagement undertaken throughout the design development process.

The community building has been designed to provide a balance of community amenities and spaces that support flatwater training, while ensuring the broader project delivers meaningful improvements for all park users. The building is designed to meet the Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Accessibility Certification standard.

The broader park improvements will be delivered through a phased approach, with construction of the new facility occurring first, followed by the landscape and recreational improvements. Opportunities for community engagement on Landscape components will continue. Current plans for the lanscape improvements include:

• Accessible pathways and trails
• An expanded beach area
• A new playground
• Picnic shelter and gathering spaces
• Additional seating areas
• Outdoor shower facilities
• Bicycle parking and storage
• Park signage and wayfinding
• Site lighting and safety improvements

In response to community feedback received throughout the planning process, the City has incorporated several key priorities identified by community members and key interest groups into the final design. To address requests for greater accessibility and ease of movement throughout the park, the design includes an accessible connection from the parking area to park amenities and the future building, helping ensure people of all ages and abilities can comfortably access and enjoy the site.

Feedback also highlighted the importance of protecting Loudon Park’s natural character, and the design reflects this by preserving and enhancing the natural features that residents value most while introducing improvements that fit within the existing landscape. Public art will be integrated throughout the site and future building.

Reaching this stage represents an important step forward for the Loudon Park improvement project and builds on the planning and engagement completed to date. As implementation moves ahead, the City will continue to share information with the community about upcoming work and what park users can expect during construction. More information about the Loudon Park Improvements project, including project updates and construction timelines, will be available as the project progresses.

The project is budgeted at $11.9 million with $4.3 million of that coming from the Community Works Fund, a stream of the Build Community Strong Fund.

For more information on the project, visit the Loudon Park Project Page.

Link to Strategic Plan: Enhancing facilities, parks and open spaces supports Council's commitment to a livable Nanaimo.

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