s_Park aims to ignite community spirit in public spaces

A new pilot project to establish a temporary street park (s-PARK) on 10 Street S.W. starts tomorrow. The s-PARK will be situated in the Downtown West community on 10 Street S.W. between 6 and 7 Avenues until Aug. 25, 2013. A s-PARK is designed to establish a passive park space during the week and a place where Calgarians can join in a celebration of community with a variety of events on weekends.

 

“We’re excited to pilot this new program in Downtown West. Creating a new street park is a fun experience that really reinvents the street environment. It enhances community and pedestrian spaces encouraging both passive and animated activities while also creating a new sense of place in the community,” said Dawn Thome, project  manager, Centre City Implementation.

 

To accommodate the pilot program, there will be a road closure on 10th Street S.W. at the south end of the block from August 9 to 25. On weekends, the north end of the block will also be closed to allow for recreational programming and community activities to animate the streetscape.

 

During the week, on-street parking will still be available on the west side of the street at the north end of the block.  The alleyways off of 9th, 10th & 11th Streets will remain open during the duration of the project making the underground residential parking lots and the public surface lots still accessible between 10th & 11th Street S.W.  On weekends, access will be from 9th & 11th Streets only.

 

 

The s-PARK pilot project will be evaluated in the fall of 2013 and a decision will be made as to whether this program will be established on a on a city wide basis.

 

 

In 2007, Calgary’s City Council approved The Centre City Plan, a comprehensive and strategic long-term vision for the future of our Centre City. Since then, The City and its many partners have made a significant investment to implement the Plan and achieve its vision of a livable, thriving and caring core.

 

For more information, please visit calgary.ca/centrecity

 

Onward/ A vibrant city depends on a vibrant centre.