Project Update
In 2024, AMSG received funding from the Rotary Club’s Environmental Innovators Fund, and The United Way Peterborough Neighbourhood Fund to launch “From a Parking Lot to a Park”. This project invited the public to envision a transformed Ashburnham Memorial Park- in particular, the upper parking lot.
Throughout the year, AMSG undertook surveys and public engagements at community events including:
- April 2024, A walk in Ashburnham Memorial Park with Kevin Callan
- May 2024, East City yard sale
- September 2024, AMSG partnership with Clean Up Peterborough for a cigarette butt cleanup in the upper parking lot
- November 2024, Beta Sigma Phi sorority meeting presentation
- February 2025, Trent University student engagement event
- May 2025, East City yard sale
- May 2025, spring park cleanup
The top survey responses:
Favourite Activities – Enjoying nature, Scenic views, Walking, hiking, running
Requests for the Future – Landscaping, tree planting, gardens, Animal proof waste receptacles, recycling, more frequent collections, Seating and picnic tables
Issues of Concern – Garbage dumping, construction materials, large items, toxic materials, Driving off-road, aggressive and stunt driving and racing. Excessive noise disturbances
This is what we have learned
As one of the highest points in the Peterborough Drumlin Field (246 m.) Ashburnham Memorial Park is a unique geological feature of the city.
The public visits the park in all four seasons and it is increasingly an attraction for Peterborough’s New Canadians.
Ashburnham Memorial Park has a unique history and relationship with WW1 and the Ashburnham community that should be celebrated. (see History)
Its tradition as a family toboggan hill and a lookout destination has made this park a special place for multiple generations of Ashburnham and greater City of Peterborough residents.
There are obvious tourism development opportunities and heritage tie-ins for Ashburnham Memorial Park with the Peterborough Museum & Archives, Heritage Pavilion, Trent Severn Waterway, Peterborough Lift Lock, Beavermead and Rogers Cove Parks and the new Canadian Canoe Museum, all located in East City.
A park that was once located on the edge of town, will soon be an island of green in an increasingly developed East City. Established residents, newcomers, and tourists will be seeking green space for passive outdoor activities and will require more than the current decaying and inaccessible parking lot. This is the time for Ashburnham Memorial Park’s much needed renewal.
After reviewing community feedback and Trent University Student Research reports, AMSG has identified 3 main areas of concern for implementing changes to the parking lot and park.
Less Pavement. More Green Space
Improve Safety and Accessibility
Provide Wayfinding and Context
AMSG shared further details of these priorities with Basterfield and Associates Landscape Architects to create a community-informed, re-imagined design of the upper parking area. This final design was presented to the Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services division by Brian Basterfield and Ciel Pinto (representing AMSG) on September 9, 2025. The design was well received by the City.
AMSG has had several follow-up meetings with the Recreation Parks and Cultural Services department and plans to provide them with a Class C Cost Estimate from Basterfield & Associates, along with a request for this design to be approved for the 2027 capital budget.
Upcoming public opportunities to see the community design:
- April 11th 2026 Spring Cleanup of Ashburnham Memorial Park (10:00 am at the Heritage Paviilion)
- May 9th 2026 East City Yard Sale