This summer, the City of Mississauga is creating exciting and fun spaces in City parks and everyday public spaces. In an effort to encourage residents to be more active, enjoy and get outdoors and use the many spaces available, several actions are underway. These include greater opportunities for booking smaller picnic areas, more live music, busking and concerts, and additional community-led events at parks and Celebration Square.
“Mississauga is known for our beautiful parks and green spaces – they’re gems in our city,” said Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services. “We’ve seen an increase in park use over the last few years and we want to encourage residents and visitors to continue using these spaces in meaningful ways to foster community, gather together and create a sense of belonging.”
New programmed activities and pop-up events will transform and enliven city parks and public spaces these include:
Picnics in parks
New small-capacity bookable picnic areas are being added to Community Common Park, Lake Aquitaine Park and J.C. Saddington Park to provide opportunities for residents to enjoy a backyard-type experience with smaller groups (25 people or less). These locations offer the option of booking up to three brightly coloured picnic tables. Each table can comfortably seat six to eight people. These locations were selected based on proximity to densely populated neighbourhoods, washroom facilities and the ease of access for maintenance services.
Community-led events
There are a number of celebrations and events happening in City parks this summer and everyone is encouraged to come out, explore the parks and enjoy the festivities. A listing of events and details can be found by visiting mississauga.ca/parks.
Live music and performances
The City’s Music Strategy: 2022-2026 identifies 32 key actions to support the growth and development of Mississauga’s music industry.
As part of these actions, the City is working to encourage more outdoor music performances through live music grants to artists for small pop-up performances and working with organizers to bring larger licensed ticketed outdoor concerts to select City parks which include, Lakeside Park, Totoredaca Park and Erindale Park.
In addition, residents can enjoy 20 outdoor summer concerts from Mississauga-based artists this year at Cooksville Four Corners, Port Credit Memorial Park and Streetsville Village Square. There will also be 50 performers, as part of the Sauga Busks program, who will perform at various approved locations around the city.
Events at Mississauga Celebration Square
Celebration Square is an outdoor public space and event venue located in the heart of Mississauga’s downtown. This outdoor space acts as a backyard for residents living in surrounding condos with limited outdoor space and looking for a space to gather and socialize. Currently, 38 City and community events are scheduled this year.
In addition to these events, staff continue to explore opportunities for the amphitheatre and other amenities on the Square, such as the patio adjacent to City Hall, in partnership with the community.
“Whether you’re picnicking in one of our parks, enjoying a live music concert series or attending a community-led event, we’re working to transform parks and public spaces into places where people want to be,” said Nadia Paladino, Director Parks, Forestry and Environment. “We want to provide a positive experience and encourage residents to use these spaces to get active and connect with their community, while enjoying the unique features and amenities offered.”
Residents can help shape the services that they would like to see in parks to see in parks by participating in Future Directions.
For more information, visit mississauga.ca/parks.
