Port Hood Community
Park Project

An exciting venture has started with the launch of a vibrant community park project in the heart of Port Hood. Thanks to the generous donation of land from Ted & Hermina vanZutphen, the park will be located at the corner of Main St. and Wharf Rd., on the site of the former Port Hood Consolidated School.

Quicklinks

The Port Hood Community Park will be designed with the community – and especially youth – in mind, as a hub of activity, connection, and fun.

Project Values:

A vision for the Port Hood Community Park is to create a space that is:

Inclusive and accessible
Safe and comfortable (shade, shelters, places to rest)
Youth-friendly and functional
Environmentally sustainable
Durable and easy to maintain
Scenic, taking full advantage of natural views
Program-ready, supporting youth and community programming

Project Specifics:

Design Consultants: Glenn Group Landscape Architects & Park Planners
Project Planning Committee: includes community members with support from members of the Municipality of Inverness County staff. The purpose of the committee is to support each phase of the project.

Project Timeline:

This project will unfold in three phases:

1. Conceptual Design: includes site survey work, the formation of a Planning Committee, initial meetings for information gathering/feedback, a public engagement session to seek input from the community, and a follow-up Port Hood Community Park Concept Design Feedback Survey (open until July 10, 2025).

2. Detailed Design: includes incorporating feedback gathered during the Conceptual Design phase as well as continued site and equipment assessment. Construction documents will be prepared and continued meetings with the Planning Committee will occur.

3. Construction – includes the construction tender process (applications, review and award), site inspections, construction, and contract management. More details about this phase will be shared as the project progresses.

Concept Design

In April, nearly 250 respondents shared their thoughts through a community survey. Using this feedback, Glenn Group Landscape Architects and Park Planners created a conceptual design for the future Port Hood Community Park.

The draft design was shared at a public session on June 3rd in Port Hood, where community members asked questions and offered more input. Following the meeting, the concept design was shared online and an additional feedback survey was published in July. Results of this survey will be reviewed by the committee before moving into the next phase of design.

Please note this is a concept design only. Park construction will not begin until funding is secured.

Budget & Funding:

In November 2025, the Municipality, in support of and partnership with the Port Hood Community Park Planning Committee, launched a capital fundraising campaign.

The capital campaign goal is to raise $500,000 in a combination of financial and in-kind contributions. In-kind support may include land preparation, construction services, equipment, landscaping, and sustainable design features (benches, picnic tables, fencing) that will ensure the park’s long-term success. Campaign contributions will support a portion of park construction costs.

There are also naming opportunities for significant contributions, and all donations over $50 will be eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

As part of the campaign, members of the planning committee will be reaching out to local businesses. Community members and supporters will also have an opportunity to contribute to the fundraising goal and become involved in the project.

To learn more, check out the following:

Open House:

The Municipality will be hosting two open-house sessions in early December and is inviting members of the public to stop by at either scheduled time to learn more about the project and capital campaign, and opportunities to be a part of it.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Municipal Council Chambers, 375 Main St., Port Hood
What to expect: Drop-in style session with a chance to speak with members of the park planning committee and municipal staff, learn about the capital campaign and opportunities to become involved in the project, and enjoy light refreshments.

For More Information:

Contact Us:

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out:

Email construction@invernesscounty.ca
Call toll-free 1-866-258-0223, select option #5.

Land for the park has been generously donated by Ted & Hermina vanZutphen.

Port Hood Community Park Project