Beaver Hills House Park and Michael Phair Park in downtown Edmonton are being updated to create a safer and more accessible space in the downtown core. The project is modernizing the ageing infrastructure and revitalizing the parks as welcoming destinations for year-round use.
The design reflects extensive input from residents and community groups. Feedback called for better lighting and sightlines, accessible washrooms, and the removal of sections of the wall dividing the two parks. Many also wanted the renewal to honour Indigenous culture through the Aboriginal Walk of Honour and existing artworks, while adding interactive features, space for performances, and flexible gathering areas.
Once completed, the parks will feature amphitheater seating that replaces the water feature to create a central hub. A natural play structure, bouldering wall, and café-style seating expand opportunities for families and social connection. A public use natural gas fire pit is also being added to promote winter use of the park.
Our civil team is also adding additional planting and furniture to improve comfort, as well as a pet relief area for pet owners in the downtown area. Partial wall removal, done in consultation with the original artist, opens sightlines and strengthens safety.