A riverfront park slated to house an urban beach and a public art installation as part of the Vancouver Biennale has garnered another award.
The British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association recently awarded Westminster Pier Park its Parks and Open Spaces Award – the eighth award the park has received since it opened in June 2012.
“I’m proud that Westminster Pier Park has been recognized yet again for its innovation, beauty and added value to our growing community,” said Mayor Wayne Wright in a press release. “It’s rewarding to see visitors and residents alike enjoying the park and seeing how it has enhanced livability in our downtown.”
A press release states that the association’s Parks and Open Spaces Award exemplifies the value that recreation services and innovative facilities have on the high quality of life in communities. The award takes into account key design elements such as accessibility, environmental protection and the benefits to the community, and also recognizes the value and need for community engagement to ensure public and stakeholder input and acceptance.
When the $25.9-million park opened on the banks of the Fraser River in 2012, it included pathways, playgrounds, a building that’s home to a concession and a lookout area and other features.
The city consulted with community members about their priorities for the timber wharf section of the park and recently announced that an urban beach, a public pathway, landscaping and an area for group fitness activities would be the next programs incorporated into this section of the park. Future additions for the timber wharf, which gets its name from the fact that the original timber piles and decking are located on this portion of the park, will include a labyrinth, a small off-leash dog enclosure and enhancements to the volleyball area.
In addition, a major public art installation is also proposed to be located in Westminster Pier Park. Although the park is currently only accessible by a parking lot located between the park and River Market, construction of a new pedestrian overpass at Fourth Street is underway and expected to be complete in the fall.
