Rothesay Common is the central urban park in the community. The master plan involved extensive public engagement sessions including: sessions with high school and elementary school children, public information sessions, public design workshop, public presentation, sessions with Heritage Preservation Review Board and accessibility committee. The phased plan transforms the space without significantly changing traditional use patterns. The basketball courts will be replaced with a concrete pad with piping for glycol and a chiller for artificial ice. A new washroom/service building will replace the old structure to become a key feature that services as a stage for performances.
The existing play structure is reworked to better integrate into the landscape and a new natural play tot lot play area was added complete with an accessible rubber safety surfacing. A seating plaza with game tables and plantings will provide all season appeal. Pathways have been added to create a walking loop along with decorative lighting. The brook will be realigned to offer a more natural meandering flow as it once did. The entire project was a $2,500,000 project which came in 10% under budget. Substantial Completion was established on December 15, 2015 and in 2016 it was voted the “Best Public Space in Canada” by the Canadian Planners Institute.