More than fifty per cent of Hendrick Farm land is consciously preserved green space available for public enjoyment. We have built a variety of interconnected parks, trails, and walking paths to provide opportunities for social interaction, recreation, and connections between different segments of the neighbourhood, Gatineau Park, and the surrounding village. These green spaces ensure people and nature come before cars, a concept repeated throughout the community design.

The Hendrick Farm neighbourhood has been carefully designed to ensure maximum walkability and access to outdoor spaces.

Hendrick Farm’s trail system consists of several kilometres of walking trails and parklands that run through forest, meadow, and open spaces, including picnic areas accessible to all. The maintenance of the Hendrick Park forest is undertaken by the Hendrick Foundation and actively balances the needs of the community with the needs of the environment. New trails are laid out around trees to avoid unnecessary cutting, all-natural trail surfaces are used, sensitive areas are avoided, and non-risky standing dead wood is left alone to provide wildlife habitat and food sources.

You can find out more about the non-profit Hendrick foundation on their website.

HENDRICK PARK PLAYGROUND

When it came to planning the children’s playground for Hendrick Farm, it was important that it fit into the natural environment while fostering a sense of adventure and exploration often lacking in modern parks.

The joy of a natural playground comes from letting children create their own adventures and discover their own boundaries. 

Various studies have shown that unstructured free play is crucial to the social development and brain development of children. To that end, the park was designed to engage children from a  range of age groups in a natural setting. The majority of the park is built using natural materials from the area, and it includes a variety of balance beams, log climbers, and steps, as well as swings, monkey bars, slides, and so much more. A children’s garden with multiple raised beds and a rustic hand pump gives children the opportunity to care for plants and interact with nature.

Located near the trailhead and mere steps from the creek, the park is open to all. We highly recommend you come for a visit!