The City of Fredericton announced details around the implementation of key enhancements planned for Killarney Lake Park.
Work planned for this summer will improve accessibility, create new recreational opportunities, and promote environmental sustainability in Fredericton’s largest public park. The improvements, first outlined in the Killarney Lake Management Plan adopted in 2020, will move forward in phases throughout 2025 and beyond.
“The upgrades planned for Killarney Lake Park show the city’s commitment to affordable, accessible, and inclusive recreation, a key pillar of our newly adopted Recreation & Leisure Master Plan,” said Councillor Ruth Breen, Chair of the City’s Livable Community Committee.
Upgrades planned for 2025 include a lakeside Natural Playpark and accessible pathway from the parking area to the beach, accessible beach matting, a competition-grade disc golf course, expanded mountain bike skills park and trail network, and completion of ski trail upgrades.
A summer pilot project will introduce off-leash dog trails, while the Artist-in-Residence program will be enhanced to include a studio in the Killarney Lake Lodge for workshops and other programming.
These improvements will greatly benefit City residents, while also positioning Killarney Lake Park as a key attraction for visitors and sport tourism, further strengthening Fredericton’s reputation as a year-round destination.
The cross-country ski trails are now eligible to host national competitions, due to work the City has already completed. The new disc-golf course will be a competition-quality 18-hole course, using the natural environment of the park to create an engaging adventure for players.
“Some areas may look different for a while, but existing uses and planned upgrades will impact less than 9% of the park,” added Meredith Cooper, Manager of Policy & Strategic Planning. “We’re committed to balancing recreation with conservation as we continue to implement the park’s management plan."
With over 90% of the 1,594 acres / 645 hectares of Killarney Lake Park remaining in its natural state, the City’s approach ensures that enhancements respect the park’s ecological integrity while supporting year-round, multi-use recreation.
Visitors to the park will notice some trees marked to outline the layout for these initiatives; however, not all marked trees will be removed. Selective tree cutting and thinning for course development will comply with environmental regulations, particularly regarding bird nesting and migration patterns, and any temporary openings in the tree canopy will support healthy forest regeneration by allowing undergrowth to thrive.
Over the coming weeks, initial work will begin on the construction of the Disc Golf Course, with other upgrades scheduled to begin throughout the summer.
To learn more about the project and to read the Killarney Lake Management Plan visit the City’s website here.