A highly festooned new green space is coming to the corner of Smithe and Richards Streets on the edge of Yaletown, replacing a surface parking lot with a park that features a number of unique utensils. The Vancouver Park Board has been working on the park since 2015, revealing first drafts for public comment last year, and finally settling on a design that marries the best elements of each concept. 

An aerial overview of the proposed space, image via DIALOG

The design was approved by Park Board commissioners in May 2016. Since then, staff have been hammering out details and developing technical drawings with project consultant DIALOG. A development permit application — the necessary precursor to the issuance of a building permit — was submitted on May 26, 2017. But before construction can begin, the proposed 0.8-acre park must face the Urban Design Panel, who will scrutinize the finer aspects of the scheme this afternoon.

'Skyframes' add an identifying visual marker to the site, image via DIALOG

While the park will include typical constituent elements like pockets of greenery and seating areas, it will also host multiple features that aim to set it apart from other public spaces. An elevated undulating pedestrian walkway will stretch across the entirety of the park, terminating at a balcony overlooking Smithe Street. Using the space to its full potential, the underside of this structure will support interactive art pieces and hammocks.

A look at the cafe pavilion, image via DIALOG

Between the existing rows of mature trees on the sidewalk, which will be maintained, a system of 'skyframes' will bring a vertical element to the park. These rectangular metal instruments will hold banners, artwork, and nighttime lighting. Towards Smithe Street, an angular cafe pavilion, equipped with washrooms and a green roof, seemingly erupts from the ground next to a water feature.

The elevated walkway supports hammocks below, image via DIALOG

The site will continue to operate as a parking lot until the City is ready to move forward with work, which isn't expected to commence until mid-2018. Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.