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Edmonton's first and largest stormwater lake doubles as a popular recreation destination, and the City is exploring ways to upgrade landscaping and amenities around the water body. A public engagement exercise in the summer helped inform the creation of concepts for the open space surrounding the stormwater facility, and those concepts are now on display for the community to study.
The early visions for the space were presented at an open house on Saturday at the Good Shepherd Anglican Church. The drawings slice the perimeter of the lake into distinct sections with their own individual identities. A concept for the promenade area of the lake along its western edge proposed a variety of seating types, a new railing to improve views to the lake, interpretive signage for educational opportunities, and a planted wall to help soften the edge of the lake.
Additional sketches focus on 'West Area Park,' the upper plaza on the west side of the lake behind the library. One illustration shows a network of graded paths with minimal stairs leading down to the lake and several open multi-use areas enhanced by site lighting.
Another concept for the site proposes a Z-shaped pathway snaking through dense vegetation and rain gardens that serve as "education zones." An upper plaza with a water feature would be linked to a plaza in the middle with interpretive signage, which is then led to the lower plaza and promenade.
A final idea for the West Area Park portrays a large upper plaza with an interactive public art feature, a gentle switchback path, and short plantings on the eastern side to maintain sightlines.
Proposals for 'East Area Park' next to 106 Street depict a grassy seating area, terraced planting beds and an upper plaza with open views and seating. An alternate concept molds the grassy seating area into a circular space and locates it closer to the street, where it would be enveloped in a pathway and benches.
Another drawing spotlights the entire lakeside, and envisions removing the existing floating docks and replacing them with raised seating areas. A 2.5-kilometre-long fitness trail would hug the perimeter of the lake, with four fitness stations positioned along the pathway.
A second open house will be held Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Good Shepherd Anglican Church (15495 Castle Downs Road NW), with an online survey also soliciting feedback from residents. Schematic design is expected to be finalized in 2018, with a request for funding to follow over 2019-2022.
