The primary park feature which included a stream and wading pool did not achieve current health guidelines and Parks could no longer provide the required operational budget for interactive use. SMM together with GEC Architecture were hired to transform the wading pool into a wetland feature that would functionally manage stormwater while providing a passive amenity that retained the parks original character. The wading pool area was too small for a true wetland so SMM created a wetland ribbon around the perimeter of the new pond that mimics a natural wetland and provides a filter for overland drainage. SMM developed a specialized soil to ensure the wetland plant material would thrive and the new pond would not be overwhelmed with silt. The desire to have some interactive water use within the park resulted in a collaboration with a local artist to provide a sculptural waterfall feature column that feeds a surface stream that children and adults can interact with. The water from the sculptural feature is untreated and utilized to aid in topping up the pond water lost to evaporation. As an established community park the revitalization plan also ensured that the mature trees were protected above and below ground. SMM designed a flexible deck foundation system to prevent damage to the existing tree root network and worked closely with City of Edmonton Forestry personnel on site to ensure the tree roots were not impacted during construction.

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The park was also upgraded to be fully universally accessible and site furnishings were designed to allow for ease of use for the abundant senior population that utilizes the park daily. Other features include upgraded pedestrian lighting, organic wood decks with integrated seating, simple elegant concrete paving that allows for ease of stroller, wheelchair and scooter use, updated irrigation system and low maintenance plant material and fescue sod. The park revitalization has been truly successful in its transformation into a low maintenance sustainable amenity without sacrificing its original charm and character.

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What the Jury Said:

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This project is beautifully executed. Originally built in 1978, the park’s rehabilitation and reconstruction were determined through a design process that relied on community engagement to determine programmatic and aesthetic goals. The design team sought to pay attention to the original design—namely to the existing topography, curvilinear pond, mature forest and connections to the community—and to enhance these qualities. The pond has been reconstructed and transformed into a wetland landscape that provides opportunities for seasonal recreation. Pond edges and pathways are carefully detailed with hard and naturalized elements that weave, along with the water, through the forest and outward to the community. A Juror noted: “this is landscape imitating art, like a Roberto Burle Marx painting”.

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Awards:

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Prairie Design Awards – Landscape Architecture – Award of Merit, 2022

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