Parks and Trails Development
Designing ecologically thriving places for everyone to enjoy.
We use industry-leading green technologies and sustainable landscape design principles to bring park design and trail development projects to life. As either the primary consultant or sub-consultant, Dougan Ecology delivers design solutions with ecological considerations at the forefront.
Preserving significant and sensitive natural features
We specialize in custom designs for outdoor recreational spaces, especially those with sensitive or significant ecological features.
Our team of landscape architects, ecologists, and wildlife biologists work together to offer ecological assessment, conceptual design, and agency liaison.
Our expertise includes:
- Trail design through ecologically sensitive spaces such as wetlands and shorelines
- Natural heritage expertise for park design
- Integration of existing hydrological processes and land features
- Championing native plant species
- Salvaging on-site biological materials for cost-effectiveness and sustainability
- Contracts with nurseries for secure, efficient plant species procurement
- Conservation considerations for significant species
Balancing ecological, planning, and policy constraints
A history of award-winning projects
We place ecology at the centre of our design excellence.
Together with Ontario municipalities like Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Kitchener, Orangeville, Brantford, and Guelph, we have created ecologically-rich, user-friendly, and aesthetically beautiful park and trail development projects.
Our award-winning parks and trails include:
- CSLA Regional Merit Award: East Hamilton Recreational Trail Hub
- Mississauga Urban Design Award of Merit: O’Connor Park
- LEED Bronze Certification: Lakeside Park Development
- Mississauga Urban Design Award of Merit: Memorial Park
- Award of Excellence: Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant Site Design
We elevate the land’s natural beauty and full ecological potential… for all to enjoy!
Frequently asked questions about parks and trails development
Dougan Ecology has designed a variety of projects including parklands, trails, naturalized open spaces, and developments that blend ecological function with aesthetic appeal.
Native plants in park and trail development support biodiversity and require less maintenance. Using regionally adapted shrubs, trees, and forbs enhances habitat value, attracts pollinators, and improves soil and water health. These plants are also more resilient and better suited to local climate conditions.
Soft-surface trails use natural materials; hard surfaces are paved. Soft-surface (wood chips, compacted gravel) trails blend with the ecosystem and allow water permeability. Hard-surface trails (asphalt, concrete) support higher usage and accessibility. Dougan Ecology selects materials based on use intensity, environmental impact, and maintenance considerations.
Natural stormwater management is built into park elements in the park design process. Features like bioswales, rain gardens, and retention pools capture and filter runoff, enhancing water quality and mitigating erosion. These elements serve both ecological and educational functions, promoting green infrastructure in park environments.
Park naturalization involves converting high-maintenance turf into native ecosystems. Naturalization replaces grass lawns with wildflower meadows, shrub borders, and forested buffers. Results include reduced maintenance, improved habitat value, supporting pollinators and birds, enhanced aesthetic interest, and public education.
Interpretive elements in parks educate and engage visitors on-site. Interpretive signage, educational nodes, and story maps are placed along trails to share information about ecology, history, or restoration efforts. These enrich visitors’ experience and foster stewardship within conserved landscapes.
