More than fifty per cent of Hendrick Farm land is consciously preserved green space available for public enjoyment. A variety of interconnected parks, trails, and walking paths 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 kilometers of walking trails and parklands that run through forest, meadow, and open spaces, including picnic areas accessible to all. During the winter, the trails are accessible via snowshoes and skis.

All parks and trails have been built with the protection of nature top of mind, and work on them 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.

The Hendrick Foundation team proactively plants native trees and shrubs each year with a mind toward habitat, wildlife food sources, and erosion control. All work is funded and executed by the Hendrick Foundation team, and local materials are used wherever possible.

HENDRICK PARK PLAYGROUND

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

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.