Renaissance Park Oshawa is undergoing a major $1.43-million transformation that will bring a new playground, splash pad, outdoor fitness equipment and several accessibility improvements to the south Oshawa neighbourhood.
The park, located just south of the General Motors facility, has been closed while crews complete construction work that began in June.
Although residents may have noticed the grounds torn up and filled with gravel, the park is not being removed. Instead, it is being completely redesigned as part of a broader series of park revitalization projects taking place across Oshawa this summer.
Work is expected to be completed before winter, with the park scheduled to reopen in the fall.
New Playground and Splash Pad Coming
One of the biggest changes at Renaissance Park Oshawa will be the installation of a new playground and splash pad.
Demolition, excavation and grading work have already been completed, allowing construction crews to move ahead with the installation of new recreational features.
The playground is being designed as a fully accessible space and will include sensory play elements.
That focus on accessibility is one of the key parts of the project and reflects feedback collected during public consultations held by the city in early 2025.
Residents were asked what they wanted to see in a redesigned park, and the final plan was shaped in large part by those responses.
Outdoor Exercise Equipment Also Planned
The redesigned park will include outdoor exercise equipment for residents who want to use the space for fitness and recreation.
This adds another layer to the park beyond traditional playground use and makes the space suitable for a wider range of ages.
New shade structures and seating areas will also be added throughout the site.
These improvements should make the park more comfortable for parents, caregivers, seniors and other visitors who may want to spend longer periods of time outdoors.
Accessible Pathways Will Connect to Waterfront Trail
Accessibility is also being improved through new pathways.
The city plans to install accessible routes connecting the park with the nearby waterfront trail.
That will make it easier for people using wheelchairs, mobility devices, strollers or other supports to move between the park and surrounding recreational areas.
The city is also adding new trees and shrubs as part of the landscaping improvements.
The additional greenery is intended to improve shade, appearance and the overall experience of the redesigned space.
$1.43-Million Budget for Project
The total budget for the Renaissance Park redevelopment is $1.43 million.
The investment covers the new playground, splash pad, fitness equipment, pathways, seating, shade structures, landscaping and other site improvements.
The project is one of several Oshawa park upgrades taking place this year.
Other parks being revitalized include:
- Lakeview Park
- Easton Park
- Knights of Columbus Park
Oshawa also completed delayed work on the outdoor pool at Rotary Park earlier this summer.
Together, the projects reflect a broader effort to modernize local recreation spaces and improve accessibility across the city.
Public Feedback Helped Shape Final Design
Public consultation played an important role in the final design of Renaissance Park Oshawa.
The city gathered feedback from residents in early 2025 and used that input to identify priorities for the redevelopment.
Accessible and inclusive features were among the most important themes raised through the consultation process.
That feedback helped shape the final plan, including the sensory play options, accessible playground design and improved pathways.
The result is intended to create a park that can be used by more people regardless of age or ability.
Park Expected to Reopen This Fall
Construction began in June and is expected to be completed in the fall.
Once finished, residents will have access to a much more modern recreational space with new equipment and improved connections to the surrounding neighbourhood and waterfront trail.
The combination of a splash pad, playground, fitness equipment, shade structures and accessible pathways is expected to make the park more useful throughout the warmer months.
The Renaissance Park Oshawa redevelopment is one of the most visible examples of the city’s current effort to upgrade public parks and make them more inclusive.
If construction remains on schedule, residents should be able to return to the redesigned park before winter.
