The City parks system in Waterloo has a rich history of providing high-quality, creative, and well-maintained public spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. Waterloo’s Leisure Services Commission is excited to announce a campaign to transform Waterloo’s two major parks – Gates Park and Byrnes Park. Each plan was thoughtfully designed with input from the community and includes a multi-faceted renovation of Gates Park and a new outdoor aquatic center at Byrnes Park.
Gates Park Pool | 1981-2022
Byrnes Park Pool | 1981-2024
GATES PARK
NORTH END: 820 EAST DONALD ST – CORNER OF EAST DONALD ST & MILDRED AVE
SOUTH END: CORNER OF LESTER ST & EAST 4TH ST
Spray Park and Inclusive Playground Open Daily: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
*Spray Park water turns off daily at 7:45 pm. All amenities are FREE to the public.
NORTH END IMPROVEMENTS – 2024:
- Spray Park: offers a variety of ground level and elevated spray features in addition to a collection of interactive play equipment suitable for kids of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
- Inclusive Playground: a play space that exceeds minimum accessibility to create play experiences in which children and adults of all abilities can interact and recreate.
- Multipurpose Soccer Field & Playground
NORTH END IMPROVEMENTS – 2025:
- Lit Basketball Courts
- Multi-purpose paved rink surrounding basketball courts
- Performance Area
SOUTH END IMPROVEMENTS – LESTER STREET:
- Shelters
- Half Basketball Court
- Playground
- Flood wall transformation including new signage
BYRNES PARK AQUATIC CENTER
NEW AQUATIC FACILITY FEATURES:
- 4-lane, 25 yard lap pool
- New bath house and concessions
- Slide tower
- Diving board
- Expanded 0-depth entry play pool with spray features
- More shade structures, shelters, and seating
- New filtration and water treatment facilities
GATES & BYRNES PARK MASTER PLAN
In July 2021, the Leisure Services’ Department sought out for feedback on the future of Waterloo Aquatics.
In January 31, 2022, they presented the City council the results of the feedback and their studies for the Gates Park area and Aquatics Master Plan.
An updated presentation was presented in May of 2022 to Leisure Services Staff. Click button below to view that PowerPoint presentation.