A Central Park for Downtown - 1.2HA

[YEG-Urbanist]

Originally Posted by Black Star

100%....to me its a bit to “Sterile & Boring” compared to how it was before the renos.

Never saw it before the update, but agree 100%. It does seem very sterile and boring. Although I love the fountains!

I think if the city wouldn't have dropped a naval frigate on the opposite end of the square (and actually took the time to design a proper central library), it would have made a huge difference.

[Harrison]

Originally Posted by Black Star

100%....to me its a bit to “Sterile & Boring” compared to how it was before the renos.

Yeah, I get they wanted to put more hardscaping, concrete, etc. in the square to make it easier to host events and festivals, but when neither is happening it is very barren and sterile, as you mentioned. If some more trees were planted in the middle of the square to outline a large area, or even just a couple of rows, it would make a big difference.

Many squares in Europe and Central and South America have hardscaping but manage to still have decent tree coverage, for instance. Maybe that can be looked at the for inevitable 30-year redevelopment of the Square in 2034 (lol).

[Wigs]

Originally Posted by YEG-Urbanist

I'm all for investing in communities and making them better. But the "build it and they will come" mentality doesn't work.

Would have been a different story if they announced these improvements in conjunction with some major residential developments.

That money most likely could have funded all the Japser streetscaping between109 and 101. Obviously there must be a reason why they skipped doing the core downtown, but it drives me crazy. I cant stand seeing all those hideous green street assets everyday. And WTF is up with that green ball blob thingee on the Ave between 103 and 102?!?!? I literally want to take a sludge hammer and blow it out myself. lol

I literally just watched a nice Edmonton cityscape footage video on YouTube the other day and wondered the same thing. When were they installed? I noticed one of them was tagged with 'Atlas'.
Not sure if for Atlas in mythology or a reference to Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" or other meaning

• Video Link
Green blob globes appear around 3 min mark

I sent the video link to a fellow SSP forumer (chris08876 from NJ--whose point of reference is New Jersey and NYC metro). I know he likes watching drone and cityscape footage of different cities. He barely knows anything about Calgary let alone Edmonton. He said "very cute and clean city. Looks so clean there. Like brand new"
And also: "it does have a striking appearance to an American city, somewhere in the Midwest, has that vibe, like if the Midwest met Austin TX. But it does look polished"

Anyway, interesting how native residents of a city can be justly critical and sometimes hyper critical of their city/hometown when outsiders see it as a beautiful place (of course 4K summertime video footage helps).

For what it's worth, Edmonton is one of my favourite cities, and I appreciate you Edmontonians/SSP forumers for allowing me to keep tabs on the place (unlike the imploded Calgary subforum lol)

[Wigs]

I originally popped in to say the renderings look pretty good, that it looks like they really tried to make it a fun space for as many as possible given the size...then was taken off tangent by the green blobs comment

I (optimistically)look forward to seeing this get full funding and completed in hopefully the next 2-ish years

[Harrison]

Originally Posted by Wigs

I originally popped in to say the renderings look pretty good, that it looks like they really tried to make it a fun space for as many as possible given the size...then was taken off tangent by the green blobs comment

I (optimistically)look forward to seeing this get full funding and completed in hopefully the next 2-ish years

The green blobs are remnants of the very po-mo esque 1980s streetscaping that used to be all along Jasper Ave from 97 St. to 109 St. Thankfully, that entire stretch will eventually be redesigned, as a chunk has already been completed from 97 to 101 Streets. When the remaining 101 - 109 St. chunk starts construction (at some point in the future), those green blobs will thankfully disappear.

[EdmTrekker]

I have deep emotions regarding those green globes. I have lived over 30 years in the core. When the structures were ripped out it felt to me what East Germans must have felt when the Berlin Wall came down … seriously!

[Wigs]

Originally Posted by Harrison

The green blobs are remnants of the very po-mo esque 1980s streetscaping that used to be all along Jasper Ave from 97 St. to 109 St. Thankfully, that entire stretch will eventually be redesigned, as a chunk has already been completed from 97 to 101 Streets. When the remaining 101 - 109 St. chunk starts construction (at some point in the future), those green blobs will thankfully disappear.

Ahhh that makes sense.

Glad to hear it'll be redesigned. I like the prairie grass or whatever it's called on the redesigned stretch you mentioned. The city should have a charity auction for the green blob globes. There's always someone that would buy them for nostalgia sake

I say bring on more street trees and landscaping to Jasper Ave.

I wish there was Canada funding grants to re-tree our downtowns. Of course someone has to maintain the trees too which a lot of cities seem to struggle with (not unique to Edmonton)

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

I have deep emotions regarding those green globes. I have lived over 30 years in the core. When the structures were ripped out it felt to me what East Germans must have felt when the Berlin Wall came down … seriously!

Which side of the wall are you on?

[YEG-Urbanist]

Originally Posted by Harrison

The green blobs are remnants of the very po-mo esque 1980s streetscaping that used to be all along Jasper Ave from 97 St. to 109 St. Thankfully, that entire stretch will eventually be redesigned, as a chunk has already been completed from 97 to 101 Streets. When the remaining 101 - 109 St. chunk starts construction (at some point in the future), those green blobs will thankfully disappear.

Thanks for the info!

Seeing how the downtown streetscaping its obviously years away from being completed, it would be nice if the city would at least paint all the old outdated green hardware (traffic lights, benches, ect) to clean it up and hide all the rust.

That alone would make a HUGE difference and not a big cost.

[Coldrsx]

Construction next spring, but 'opening' not until Nov '25, which basically means Summer 2026.

Pavilion is scaled back and is the fountain now just an 'ornamental' feature?

Anything else?

Full report:
https://www.edmonton.ca/sites/defaul...?cb=1700153975

[Harrison]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Construction next spring, but 'opening' not until Nov '25, which basically means Summer 2026.

Pavilion is scaled back and is the fountain now just an 'ornamental' feature?

Anything else?

Full report:
https://www.edmonton.ca/sites/defaul...?cb=1700153975

The fountain was always intended to be ornamental from the begining of the design and a cafe/CRU space in the pavillion was discussed but ultimately not implemented (although there is a 'kitchen' area located inside still, I think).

[Rocket252]

^ Sounds like an Edmonton project. Start out with big dreams and then end up with a disappointment.

Underwhelming.

[Edmontonguy]

^ And don't forget, nothing also says Edmonton like stopping proper maintenance and upkeep, due to chasing of the next new project to cut the ribbon at.

The most Edmonton thing you can do.

[Coldrsx]

Exciting.

https://vendor.purchasingconnection....-39c2ed490000&

[Coldrsx]

Project update - February 2024
Preliminary design for Warehouse Park is now complete and construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2024.

The design development for the Warehouse Park pavilion has been finalized. This pavilion will include facilities for public restrooms and a multipurpose space serving as a central feature within the park.

https://www.edmonton.ca/projects_pla...hbourhood-park

[Black Star]

I must stay positive...I will stay positive about this project.

Ohhh, for Fox creek...it's gonna be a drug/bums paradise.

Still trying to stay positive.

[GenWhy?]

More design awards in the making? I hope so. Stoked.

Fully open by 2025? Or is there a lot of utility work?

[Coldrsx]

Sounds like some initial action has commenced according to Glenco on SRC with the blvd trees being removed.

[Coldrsx]

City set to turn downtown parking lots into paradise!
June 25, 2024

Following years of collaborative planning and design work, the City of Edmonton is starting construction on a new park downtown. The Warehouse Park Project will turn several gravel-surface parking lots into a green space for park visitors to socialize, celebrate and recharge.

Media are invited to join Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, City officials, community and project partners to kick off construction of this downtown-shaping park.

Date: Wednesday, June 26
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: 106 Street, just north of Jasper Avenue

Please note, PPE is not required for this media event.
 
For more information:
edmonton.ca/WarehousePark

Media contact:
Kirby Bourne
Communications Advisor
Integrated Infrastructure Services
780-289-7311

[Coldrsx]

Transforming parking lots to paradise: Warehouse Park Project in downtown Edmonton to begin construction
June 26, 2024

A new space for connection and community is coming to downtown as the City of Edmonton begins construction on the Warehouse Park Project.

“As we plan to be a city of two million people, we must be Greener as We Grow. Part of that is ensuring all residents have access to high-quality parks and open spaces,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “This new downtown park will provide a place for downtown residents, students, workers and visitors to gather, rest and recharge in the heart of our city.”

Edmonton’s new downtown community park will feature wide-open lawn space with a hill for tobogganing in the winter, an off-leash dog park, a pavilion with washrooms and community space, a playground and outdoor exercise area. Picnic tables and other site furniture will also be available for use by downtown workers, residents, students and other visitors.

“The park will provide much-needed green space for residents and visitors to enjoy, the tree canopy will provide much-needed shade on hot days and the outdoor space will allow for year-round enjoyment of outdoor activities, including winter activations in our "winter city,” said Cheryl Probert, President of the Downtown Community League. “The pavilion provides space for community members to gather, and the washrooms within will provide respectful access to all who need it.”

The park was designed as a place to socialize, celebrate and relax and it is an important catalyst project aimed at attracting private investment in the downtown core. The intention is to encourage more people to consider choosing downtown Edmonton as a place to live.

“To have a city centre park of this size and quality is going to be an absolute game-changer in the path to making Edmonton’s Downtown a true high-density, complete community,” said Executive Director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association Puneeta McBryan. “As our city grows, our downtown becomes even more important as both an economic driver and as our most dense and connected neighbourhood. This park will serve as a gathering place for tens of thousands of residents, workers, and visitors and a centrepiece for this area of our downtown.”

“We are building Edmonton with purpose, and part of that is to prepare for an increased downtown population,” said Craig Walbaum, Acting Deputy City Manager of Integrated Infrastructure Services. “This project will transform empty parking lots into a multi-use green space that encourages visitors to relax, reflect and explore.”

Construction on the Warehouse Park Project is expected to take two years. The park is anticipated to open to the public by the end of 2025. Warehouse Park is a temporary project name. The Edmonton Naming Committee is working to select the official name.

Construction impacts

As part of the Warehouse Park Project, a portion of 107 Street north of Jasper Avenue and south of 102 Avenue was permanently closed in June 2024 and will be integrated into the park. Access to laneways south and north of the park boundaries will remain open during construction and will be maintained as part of the park design.

Pedestrian, vehicle and active transportation traffic is encouraged to use 106 Street as an alternate route.

“We know these construction closures and detours are disruptive to those who live, work and play in our city’s downtown,” Walbaum said. “We thank those affected for their patience as we work on this transformational project.”

Funding

The current capital budget to construct the Warehouse Park Project is $44.8 million. Funding was approved by City Council through the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL). The Capital City Downtown CRL allows the City to borrow money for major projects that aim to incentivize new private investment which help to raise property values of existing developments. The growth in taxes is used to pay back borrowed funds. Only taxes from within the dedicated CRL boundary contribute to the project.
 
For more information:
edmonton.ca/WarehousePark
Warehouse Park Project renderings
Fly-through video

Media contact:
Kirby Bourne
Communications Advisor
Integrated Infrastructure Services
780-289-7311

[Coldrsx]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mac...Ll1QP2ag%3D%3D