The redevelopment of St-Charles Park, located in the heart of Old Dorval, is an ambitious project involving multidisciplinary design. The redevelopment transformed the park into an inclusive and accessible space to meet the diverse needs of the community. It is now one of the largest inclusive parks in Quebec.
The park integrates adaptive playground equipment to promote interaction and child development. These play structures help develop motor skills and provide spaces for socializing and interaction. The park’s trails and paths were designed with innovative materials and high-precision grading to facilitate safe and barrier-free circulation of users with reduced mobility.
Solutions for effective park infrastructure
EXP’s teams faced challenges related to water management and underground infrastructure. Storm drainage and sanitary sewers required meticulous planning.
EXP collaborated with the client and integrated the specific features into the plan, so the project was aligned with best practices:
- Smaller pipe diameter and overflow to control discharge flow.
- Bioretention areas designed to reduce impermeable surfaces, improve biodiversity, retain stormwater and promote infiltration.
- Drivable impermeable surfaces to optimize universal accessibility. Their impact on stormwater management was mitigated by directing runoff to areas such as permeable play areas and catch basins in grassy areas before collection.
EXP performed simulations and stormwater modeling to support design of stormwater management structures and clear stone foundations that percolate water from the playgrounds and provide retention.
The park integrates other community spaces such as a covered wooden terrace, urban furniture, sports field and a splash pad. By combining environmental protection, heritage conservation and sustainability, the St-Charles Park redesign has become an inspiring model for urban, ecological and sustainable development.
Services
Landscape Architecture, Water Resources, Stormwater Management, Lighting Design, Civil, Electrical, Digital Delivery and 3D Modeling, Urban Planning