City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan

Construction on the redevelopment of Columbus Park is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 5, and a fence may go up around the site prior to that date.

This work, which is part of the City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan, will see the park transform into a venue for gathering and public events in all seasons.

To accommodate the redevelopment of Columbus Park, the site will be closed during construction. Additionally, the sidewalk on the east side of Main Street between McLeod Avenue and First Avenue, will be closed for the duration of the project (pedestrian traffic will be accommodated).

Angle parking on the east side of Main Street from McLeod Avenue to First Avenue will also be used by the contractor as a storage/laydown area for materials and equipment for the duration of the project.

The existing clock tower at Columbus Park will be carefully removed and provided to the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Society for future display.

As well, the existing dedication bricks at the park will be salvaged and re-used in the redevelopment process.

Updates regarding construction and related impacts will be provided throughout the project.

A partnership between the City of Spruce Grove, the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Heritage Society, and Kiwi Nurseries has resulted in five long-standing trees in Columbus Park finding a new home on the Ag Society’s grounds.

“We are thrilled to be working with both the Ag Society and Kiwi Nurseries to relocate these trees,” said City Manager Dean Screpnek. “They have been part of Columbus Park for many years, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to keep them within our community in a location where they can continue to be enjoyed.”

Three Linden trees, one Bur Oak and one Ohio Buckeye tree were relocated over the May long weekend. Linden trees grow almost like a holiday tree, as they boast a wide brim while tapering at the treetop, while Bur Oak trees more look like a Halloween tree as their trunks are dark, twisting with corky bark and spooky looking at night. Ohio Buckeye trees can grow up to 50 feet high and display beautiful, yellowish flowers in the spring and their leaves turn to a pumpkin-orange in the fall.

“To us, it’s about helping to preserve some of the history of Spruce Grove,” said Ashleigh Munro, Ag Society board member and part-owner of Kiwi Nurseries. “These trees have been part of our city through many of the changes that have occurred within Spruce Grove, and that gives them significance. They are really some of the city’s ‘longest’ residents!”

The redevelopment work at Columbus Park is expected to occur throughout the summer months and into the fall. New features and amenities at the park will include a permanent stage and storage room, a shelter structure, flat green space, a water bottle fill station, tables, power outlets, and raised planters with seating. Underground services will also be installed to potentially accommodate a washroom facility in the future.

This work is part of a larger redevelopment plan for the City Centre that 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.

Once events are able to resume at the Ag Society grounds, visitors will be educated about the trees’ historical significance.

Kiwi Nurseries was glad to provide the equipment and expertise to move the trees.

“We really saw this as a way to help enhance and give back to our community,” said Munro. “Trees, and nature in general, are such a valuable part of our city and this is a way we can help to educate residents about their importance.”

*Photos courtesy of Kiwi Nurseries

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

Spruce Grove City Council was provided with an update on the City Centre Area Redevelopment Plan during a Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb. 16, 2021.

As work progresses, updates will be shared on this project site.