Walter Baker Park

About Walter Baker Park

Walter Baker Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in Kanata, located at the corner of Maple Grove Road and Terry Fox Drive. The park shares its grounds with the Tony Graham Recreation Complex (formerly Kanata Recreation Complex), giving visitors access to both outdoor green space and nearby indoor facilities.

The park is a favourite destination for families, runners, dog walkers, and sports enthusiasts. With its mix of playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, a splash pad, and BBQ facilities, it serves as a central gathering place for the Kanata community year-round.

BBQ and Picnic Facilities

Walter Baker Park is one of the best spots in Ottawa for a BBQ outing. The park features several picnic tables equipped with built-in BBQ grills, making it easy to plan a cookout without bringing your own grill. Additional picnic tables and benches are spread throughout the park, many within eyesight of the playgrounds.

For larger gatherings, the park has a covered picnic shelter and a large gazebo with electrical outlets near the walking trail and pond — ideal for birthday parties, family reunions, or community events.

BBQ Permit: Using propane BBQs in Ottawa city parks requires a park permit. Contact the City of Ottawa at 613-580-2595 or email [email protected] to arrange one.

Playgrounds and Splash Pad

Two Playgrounds

The park has two separate play structures designed for different age groups, along with swings. The equipment includes slides, climbing features, and structures suitable for toddlers through older children. The playgrounds are well-maintained and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Splash Pad

The splash pad features a tall dome, water cannon, and fountain sprays — a popular way for kids to cool off in summer. It operates daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, typically from mid-June to mid-September. The splash pad was upgraded in 2024 with a snowman-style design featuring ground jets, overhead sprayers, and an accessible bench.

Sports and Recreation

Skatepark

A modern skatepark with ramps, rails, and bowls caters to skaters and BMX riders of all skill levels.

Sports Fields

The park is packed with sports facilities:

• 6 soccer fields
• 5 baseball diamonds
• Football field with bleachers

The Ottawa Carleton Ultimate Association (OCUA) also uses Walter Baker Park as a regular venue for ultimate frisbee leagues.

Outdoor Fitness Circuit

An outdoor fitness circuit with exercise equipment and instructional signage provides a free workout option along the trail.

Toboggan Hill

A large permanent toboggan hill is one of the park's standout winter features, drawing families from across Kanata when the snow arrives.

Walking Trail

The park features a 2.6 km loop trail that meanders around a scenic pond and through green spaces. The trail takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes to complete and is suitable for walking, running, and cycling. Paths connect to the sports fields and playgrounds, making it easy to explore the entire park on foot.

Visitor Information

• Address: 100 Charlie Rogers Place, Kanata, ON K2V 1A7
• Hours: Daily 8 AM - 11 PM
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free parking available at the Tony Graham Recreation Complex lot
• Washrooms: Available at the adjacent Tony Graham Recreation Complex
• Splash Pad: Open daily 9 AM - 9 PM (mid-June to mid-September)
• BBQ Permits: Call 613-580-2595 or email [email protected]
• Accessibility: Stroller and wheelchair accessible paths

Getting There

• By Car: Located at the corner of Maple Grove Road and Terry Fox Drive in Kanata. Free parking at the Tony Graham Recreation Complex
• By Transit: OC Transpo routes serve the Terry Fox Drive / Maple Grove Road area. The park is also accessible from Terry Fox Station on the Confederation Line via connecting bus routes
• By Bike: Accessible via local cycling paths in Kanata