Columbus Park redevelopment scheduled for this summer
Columbus Park will go through a significant transformation this year as part of the City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan.
Located at the corner of Main Street and McLeod Avenue, the park is being redeveloped to include a permanent stage and storage room, a shelter structure, and tables.
The redevelopment design and construction project was approved by City Council during a March 22 meeting.
“This is very exciting news for our City Centre,” said Mayor Stuart Houston. “The redevelopment of Columbus Park will play a key role in re-invigorating this part of Spruce Grove by providing a space that can be used in multiple ways and, once permitted, be a true gathering space for our community.”
Other features of the park will include flat green space, a water bottle fill station, power outlets, and raised planters with seating. Underground services will also be installed to potentially accommodate a washroom facility in the future.
The overall redevelopment plan for the City Centre is focused on revitalizing the area to create a vibrant, welcoming space and improved experience for those who walk, bike, drive or use transit to access the area. Updating Columbus Park will help to make the space a venue for gathering and public events in all seasons (taking into consideration any current public health measures).
“We’ve worked collaboratively with the City Centre Business Association through this process and would like to thank them for their input and support,” said Mayor Houston. “Once complete, the updated Columbus Park will further support their efforts, events, and activities to bring people to the City Centre.”
To accommodate the redevelopment of Columbus Park, the site will be closed during construction, which is anticipated to start as early as mid-June 2021.
During this time, some disruption in the City Centre area is expected and there will be times when sidewalk access on both McLeod Avenue and Main Street, adjacent to the park, will be closed due to construction (pedestrian traffic will be accommodated).
Every effort will be made to minimize impacts, and local businesses and residents are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
Depending on weather and taking into consideration other factors, the park may be ready for use through the upcoming winter season. Additional redevelopment work in other parts of the City Centre area will continue in 2022.
The approved cost for the redevelopment of Columbus Park is $1.76 million.
Updates regarding construction and related impacts will be provided throughout the project.
*Please note image is a rendering and subject to change
