Sarnia council will consider approving the preferred concept and detailed design for Germain Park Monday.
A master plan is being presented that outlines a strategic vision, worth $5.7 million, to be completed in two phases.
Mayor Mike Bradley hopes council embraces it, saying it's a "positive project" that reinvests in the community.
"The best part of this report is that a lot of the infrastructure is already there," said Bradley. "It's a highly visible park and a well used park, and this is a chance to upgrade it. There's existing funds that we can use and we've received some grants that can help us move forward."
Phase one includes the installation of a new accessible playground, splashpad, pavilion and interconnecting pathways.
Dedicated outdoor pickleball courts, a multi-use court for basketball and ice skating, the creation of a permanent, year-round, off-leash dog area, washroom, parking and plaza improvements are also recommended in the initial phase.
"There's no question over the last couple of years with COVID that recreational facilities are front and centre with people. Getting out there and playing pickleball, walking, and doing all of the other things with their health. I [also] know from all of the calls that we get, there certainly will be an embracing of the off-leash dog area, and relocating it and making it a permanent location that's properly built."
It's recommended council ask staff to return with cost estimates for phase one to include in the 2024 capital budget.
Space for a multi-use indoor recreation facility has been included in phase two of the design, pending further study and funding.
Two existing baseball diamonds and t-ball areas at the south end of the park would be removed to accommodate the building and a new east entrance would be built.
It's also recommended council advance the conceptual design for the Strangway Centre Gym addition and building upgrade project.