[IanO]

 

[CplKlinger]

It's amazing how much larger this feels in person, versus how it looks in pictures (no jokes, wise guys). I dropped by for a bit on Sunday at around 7:30pm, and then again today at around 2pm. There were a couple dozen people there on Sunday night, including a surprising number of families with kids, and way too many to count today. It felt more like a crowd I'd see during a festival at Churchill Square than a regular stat holiday in downtown. Going back to the real vs perceived scale for a sec, it did not feel at all to me like amenities were crammed in; I think the hills help with that. It feels like the basketball court is far away from the playground and off leash area, which are far away from the pavilion, etc. The paths feel direct yet scenic, and the middle area really ties the whole place together remarkably. And as already said, the swing are a huge draw, and as soon as someone got up, another person/group sat down. This will be one of my go-to spots for sure, and it's exciting to see so many others enjoying it too. Sorry for the lens flair, I didn't realize my phone has a "MADD PSA" filter

 

[an_edmontonian]

Took a stroll in the park yesterday afternoon. Place was surprisingly packed, even taking it being a holiday into consideration. Already having a huge positive influence on the area in generating foot traffic. Well done COE.

 

[an_edmontonian]

Was anyone able to capture that pink aurora last night as a backdrop against the light feature in the park?

 

[Gronk!]

Took a stroll in the park yesterday afternoon. Place was surprisingly packed, even taking it being a holiday into consideration. Already having a huge positive influence on the area in generating foot traffic. Well done COE.

Yes, kudos to COE! However, once the hype dies down, I'd like to see status of this park after 1 year has passed.

 

[Greenspace]

Yes, time will tell. The park is likely under warranty for at least a year, so after that will be good to see how Parks Operation maintains (or doesn't) the park, especially if trees or bushes die.

But overall I want to be optimistic, given the streetscaping and private development planned for the area. Yesterday afternoon no programming but sunny afternoon there had to have been 150-200 people in the park. The playground is especially a hit, as are the swings.

Just a few more lunch hours of programming, but would love to see a coffee cart or busker once and a while. You'll notice the concrete pad for a food truck on the south end of the park.

 

[Gus Haynes]

Saw lots of kids playing in the park today on my lunch break, and enjoyed some free donuts and bruschetta at the pavilion! Seems like a wonderful addition to downtown, I have to say.

 

[inclusion]

I hope it continues to see use on the weekends. Le Fontaine Park in Montreal seemed so busy when we visited in August. I recall Hawrelak being pretty busy on weekends. I imagine as there are more and more residents, this park will see use. As someone else said, grass helps a lot.

 

[Greenspace]

^Talked to some of the consultants from Montreal on Saturday. They said in Montreal there's a big picnic culture, they wanted to recreate/encourage that in the new park. Creating small moments in the park that encourage you to stay or explore.

Also you'll notice in the drone footage how busy the parking lot next to BPs is now, seems to be the chosen parking lot for people visiting the park from elsewhere in the city.

 

[constance_chlore]

^Talked to some of the consultants from Montreal on Saturday. They said in Montreal there's a big picnic culture, they wanted to recreate/encourage that in the new park. Creating small moments in the park that encourage you to stay or explore.

If we want to recreate Montreal park hang culture, we should import their "you can drink in parks as long as you have a meal" rule. (But not for like, remote river valley parks.)

 

[TAS]

Also you'll notice in the drone footage how busy the parking lot next to BPs is now, seems to be the chosen parking lot for people visiting the park from elsewhere in the city.

If that's the case, I hope the property owner isn't less inclined to sell if income picks up. I'm surprised the city doesn't have any standards for a parking lot like this - you can still see cracked floor tiling from what was there before (car dealership?). And this is right along Jasper Ave.

 

[Greenspace]

^Like Arlington site, needs to make complaint to Bylaw via 311.

 

[David A]

Yes, time will tell. The park is likely under warranty for at least a year, so after that will be good to see how Parks Operation maintains (or doesn't) the park, especially if trees or bushes die.

But overall I want to be optimistic, given the streetscaping and private development planned for the area. Yesterday afternoon no programming but sunny afternoon there had to have been 150-200 people in the park. The playground is especially a hit, as are the swings.

Just a few more lunch hours of programming, but would love to see a coffee cart or busker once and a while. You'll notice the concrete pad for a food truck on the south end of the park.

I am a bit surprised by the number of people that have been here every day so far. I feel a lot are still checking it out for the first time, so it will die down some, but this also shows how many people who live and work nearby. So hopefully many will continue to make it a part of their regular routine.

 

[Gronk!]

Yes, time will tell. The park is likely under warranty for at least a year, so after that will be good to see how Parks Operation maintains (or doesn't) the park, especially if trees or bushes die.

I'm more worried about the inevitable issues such as vandalism, garbage strewn all over the park, drug abuse, and riff-raff using the park as a homeless camp.

 

[Greenspace]

I won't let that happen.