Richardson Beach Project
Richardson Beach Project
About the Project
Richardson Beach and Richardson Bathhouse officially reopened on June 10, 2023, following extensive improvements.
Richardson Beach in Macdonald Memorial Park is a favourite destination along the waterfront. Improvements to the beach area were identified as the top priority in the Waterfront Master Plan, which was approved by Council on March 22, 2016. The design work for the improvements occurred in 2017 and 2018. The proposed works include improved gathering spaces, access to the water and shoreline improvements.
The historic Richardson Bathhouse, located in Macdonald Memorial Park, has been upgraded and made accessible for all members of the community. The completed upgrades to the bathhouse include improvements to the existing washrooms and changing facilities to meet current accessibility standards, renovation of the building's central interior foyer to allow natural light into the foyer, a new energy-efficient heating system and repairs to the heritage masonry.
Construction of Richardson Beach, shoreline works, and Richardson Bathhouse renovation were completed in spring 2023.
Project Photos
Beach Improvement - Concept design, May 2018
The design proposes a new pier lookout, an accessible transfer steps into the water, and seating near the water. Both steps and pathways lead to the lookout. Some rock revetment is also proposed at the end of Emily Street to protect the shoreline.
Bathhouse Improvement - Floor Plan
Improvements include the lobby, janitor room, women’s washroom and change room to the left and universal washroom and men’s washroom and change room to the right.
Bathhouse Improvement - Foyer Rendering
A new opening in the ceiling is proposed to allow more light into the central area.
Public Engagement
- May 23, 2018: Open house #3 to share consolidated design concepts Richardson Beach and an update on the Richardson Bathhouse improvements.
- Feb. 7, 2018: Open house to share initial concepts for improvements to Richardson Beach and an update on current Richardson Bathhouse renovations.
- Open House Presentation
- Existing conditions and two proposed concepts
- Comparison of the 2 proposed options
- Online survey on proposed concepts (closed April 16).
- Dec. 20: Heritage Committee Presentation
- Oct. 25 - Nov. 24, 2017: Online survey and feedback received on proposed improvements.
- Oct. 24, 2017: Open house to receive feedback on proposed improvements in person
Additional Information
- Waterfront wayfinding, celebration and promotion of Kingston's waterfront
- Waterfront Master Plan
- Richardson Beach: Open house #1: precedent images, concept renderings, presentation
- Richardson Bathhouse: Open house #1: proposed improvements
