Bechtel Park

 

Trails and park continue to be open regular hours, subject to physical distancing and outdoor gathering size limit of 25.

Note that trails are maintained differently throughout the winter:

- paved trails such as Iron Horse or Spur Line are cleared first, expect mostly bare conditions
- gravel trails cannot be maintained by salt, expect packed snow and wet conditions
- natural trails in environmental areas are not maintained but remain open for use

Please use appropriate footwear for the expected terrain.

Bechtel Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The park's indoor field house, the Manulife Soccer and Sports Complex, is currently open daily for pre-booked programs and rentals only.

 

Entrance procedure

Recreation centres are currently open for pre-booked programs, appointments and rentals only. Rules for all facilities and activities include:

  • complete mandatory pre-screening through your recreation service provider
  • wait outside at marked entrance to be greeted by facility ambassador
  • masks required except during play
  • no spectators permitted (one guardian per minor aged participant is permitted)
  • no access to showers or change rooms - arrive dressed to play as safely and reasonably as possible
  • no re-entry after leaving facility

Specific procedures are below.

Procedure for using the fieldhouse
Entry process
  1. Participants should arrive dressed for their activity and line up outside the facility entrance per signage and markings. Participants must follow all floor marking and signage.
  2. Fieldhouse participants enter though the main door near the service ramp and exit through the lobby.
  3. A facility ambassador will meet the rental group and will provide entry 15 minutes prior to the rental start time and once all members have arrived. Late arrivals will jeopardize the full rental time. Participants must follow the direction of the ambassador.

  4. Guardians or caregivers, if required, will count towards the maximum indoor space capacity. Please check with your program or minor sport organization for how this may be managed.

  5. Participants are encouraged to bring their own filled water bottles. There will be limited bottle refilling stations open should participants need to refill their bottles.
Using the facility
  1. Dressing rooms and showers are not available at this time.
  2. Washrooms are available but are not to be used as change/dressing rooms.
  3. Players must wear mask in common areas, removing the mask is only permitted during play.
  4. Spectators (if allowed) and participants must remain in the designated activity space and not wander around the facility.
  5. Sport bags are permitted but must be not be piled on top of one another.
  6. Players and participants must ensure physical distancing is maintained on the players’ benches.
  7. No participant, parent/guardian or spectator shall spit, blow their nose freely or release any bodily fluid anywhere in the facility
  8. Following the rental period, please leave the playing surface immediately.
  9. Participants must exit the facility within 5 minutes of rental activity ending.
  10. Ensure all equipment is picked up in advance to enable an immediate exit from the playing surface.
  11. There is no re-entry or in/out privileges permitted.
  12. Groups must be adequately equipped with their own first aid supplies.

Facility info

Park staff can be reached during business hours at 519-576-2420.

If you're driving, the main entrance to the park is at 185 Bridge Street West. Free parking is available. Follow roads into the park and watch for signage.

Public washrooms are available in the field house building during regular business hours and when programming is taking place on evenings and weekends.

Amenities and attractions

Bechtel Park is located on 100 acres of land on the city's east side. Many areas are available for rent. Amenities and attractions include:

  • indoor field house
  • leash-free dog park
  • large forested area with wetlands
  • trails for hiking and cross-country skiing (view city trail map for details)
  • three soccer fields (one of which has lights)
  • hardball stadium with lights, dressing rooms and press box
  • batting cage
  • four hard-surface tennis / pickleball courts with lights
  • playground

Indoor field house

The Manulife Soccer and Sports Complex has unrestricted turf floor space (33.5 x 62m) and a ceiling height of 11 metres. It is commonly used by community groups, schools and sports teams for training. If you're coming for a drop-in program, note we only accept cash and cheque at this location.

Cancellations

During poor weather, check cancellations on our field conditions page.

Dog park

The south end of the park has a large leash-free area for dogs. Rules for the park:

  • don't bring treats or toys
  • don't bring puppies (under four months), aggressive dogs, or dogs in heat
  • dogs older than seven months must be spayed or neutered
  • kids under the age of 12 must come with an adult
  • pick up dog waste and dispose in the designated receptacle
  • dogs must have proper licences and vaccinations
  • stay in close control of your dog at all times