Background

Located on Hartwell Way, John Abel Park offers a range of amenities for all ages including a unique playground designed with primarily wooden log features, a natural rock amphitheatre to facilitate group learning activities, a Trail-Head Plaza that includes a shade structure, play-themed tables and seating, shade sails and seating throughout the park and walkways linking the park to the Town’s trail system and the David Tomlinson Nature Reserve, enhancing accessibility and encouraging exploration.

The park also features Community Gardens that provide an opportunity for residents to cultivate plants and contribute to the community’s green efforts, an open grass area where visitors can relax, play, or enjoy casual gatherings.

The park was named after former Councillor John Abel who had a strong passion for arts, culture, and nature. 

There are many more features to be added in 2025, such as wood pole carvings with a flora and fauna theme that will be installed at several locations within the park, an indigenous garden area and park and trail signage.

Call for Expression of Interest

The Town of Aurora is seeking individuals or groups to provide expression of interest the following element of John Abel Park.

  1. Assist with the community garden plot program (group or individual).

 Call for Volunteers, Community Garden Plot Program Lead 

The Town of Aurora is seeking a dedicated volunteer individual or group to manage and facilitate the annual programming associated with the community garden plot program located at John Abel Park.

 Project Context

Featured within John Abel Park – a new community garden plot program is being established and we are seeking a devoted community volunteer group or individual to assist the Town of Aurora in leading this exciting new project. The seasonally operated garden will feature several planter box style plots and be allocated to community members seasonally.

As an eligible volunteer or group, the applicant(s) must demonstrate a trained or practical understanding of horticulture and community project management. A preference will be given to anyone with experience leading or managing similar horticulture programming or community garden programs.
 Site Context
John Abel Park is located on Hartwell Way in Aurora. The community garden will consist of 23 full size plots, measuring 2.4m x 4.8m (8’ x 16’), and 30 half size plots measuring 1.2m x 4.8m (4’ x 8’). 
 Eligibility
  • Trained in horticulture management or landscape design with horticulture focus
  • Demonstrated experience in participating and facilitating community garden programming or a similar community project. 
 Insurance 

The successful applicant is expected to enter into an agreement with the Town of Aurora regarding liability and will be finalized mutually.
 Submission Requirements
  • Resume
  • Letter of experience and interest 
 Selection Process 
 Based on experience
 Honorarium
This will be considered a volunteer position with the individual or group allocated one free garden plot per season. The Town is expected to provide essential supplies and materials such as water supply, topsoil and general maintenance and upkeep.
 Project Timeline
 To begin early summer 2024 with full operations to commence in 2025. 
 Accessibility Features

Accessible features of the park include accessible parking, level paved walkways/trails leading to the garden plots, hard-packed gravel around the plots, and several garden plots are raised above grade to better facilitate mobility restricted gardeners. 
 How to Apply
To apply, please send your resume and a letter of interest, to Matthew Volpintesta at Mvolpintesta@aurora.ca.