Pumphouse Park Improvements
Project Update - November 2023
The project team is finalizing the design for Pumphouse Park before releasing for tender in January 2024. Although construction is always weather-dependent, we anticipate starting this work in Spring 2024. Please check back on this page for the construction start date and for updates throughout construction.
Project background
Pumphouse Park is located on the south side of the Bow River, east of the Crowchild Trail bridge, by the Pumphouse Theatre. The park attracts recreational users and commuters of the Bow River Pathway system as well as theatre goers.
- On May 25, 2020, Council approved the Established Area Growth and Change Strategy (EAGCS) and committed funding for public realm improvement projects within established areas seeing the pressures of redevelopment to the greatest degree.
- This work identified the South Bow Pathway and Pumphouse Park as an opportunity to improve the area.
- We are making improvements to this space to increase activity and mobility in the area and create a comfortable park to host everything from intimate private gatherings to larger community events.
Improvement of this park and surrounding area will also improve connections and safety for the Bow River Pathway system, cycle track users, and the inner-city communities of Sunalta, Hillhurst/Sunnyside and Scarboro.
Timeline
- September 2021 – Phase 1 engagement for Pumphouse Park Improvements
- March 2022 – Phase 2 engagement for Pumphouse Park Improvements
- Winter 2022 – Preferred Concept Design
- Winter 2022 - Summer 2023 – Final Design
- Fall 2023 - Winter 2023 – Construction Plans
- Spring 2024 – Construction Begins
- Fall 2024 – Construction Complete
Public engagement
Phase 1 – August/September 2021
- In Phase 1 of engagement in August/September 2021, we learned about how Pumphouse Park is currently used and what people like and dislike about the park.
- Based on the public input collected, technical analysis and internal feedback, the project team divided Pumphouse Park into three zones and developed two concepts for park improvements.
- The concepts were meant to give a general idea of how the elements and amenities can influence how the park is used and the public's experience of the space. The What We Heard Report is available here.
Phase 2 – March 2022
- Phase 2 of engagement asked what people think about the design concepts.
- From March 1 - 14, 2022, we asked event organizers to tell us about how the different design concepts for the park could work for gatherings and activities.
- From March 15 - 27, 2022, we asked the public what they liked and disliked about amenities in the different concepts for areas in the park. The final What We Heard Report is available here.
Addressing what we heard
| What we heard | What we did |
|---|---|
| Foster identity, engage in placemaking and improve wayfinding. |
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| Retain open, flexible space for passive and active recreation, and to support special events. Encourage seasonal, multi-generational, community use and provide destination amenity. |
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| Preserve, enhance and showcase the natural beauty of Pumphouse Park (e.g., minimize tree removals). |
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| Set the stage for informal and formal gatherings, special events and performances. |
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| Relieve commuter congestion by improving pathway connection and park bypass. |
|
Budget
The budget for this project is $3.3 million.
Preferred concept renderings
*Renderings subject to change
East Gathering Node and Picnic Area
Key Design Updates
- Bow River Pathway realigned and widened to 4.0m.
- West Gathering Node updated.
- Picnic / BBQ area now includes accessible route to and from bow river pathway and parking lot.
Pumphouse Theatre Courtyard and Improved Pathway Connection
Key Design Updates
- A flexible/ programmable courtyard has been added to showcase and celebrate Pumphouse No. 2.
- Parking lot has been shifted to accommodate improved southern pathway bypass and connection to Sunalta.
Improved Pathway Connection, Pedestrian Access, & Formalized Parking
Key Design Updates
- Parking lot has been shifted eastward to accommodate improved southern pathway bypass and connection to Sunalta. Parking lot includes 34 stalls.
- Option to pave and formalize parking lot if funding secured.
- Granular staging nodes have been added to give visitors a place to collect & pump themselves up for their park visit
Upper Mound
Key Design Updates
- Warming hut with integrated wood storage has been removed based on City feedback. Two simplified permanent fire pits with custom timber lounge benches now frame the upper mound’s open, flexible space.
- Hill slopes are renaturalized to enhance the natural beauty of the park and guide circulation.
Western Gathering Node, Improved Pathway Alignment & Commuter Bypass
Key Design Updates
- Bow River Pathway has been widened to 4 metres and southern pathway bypass is realigned to reduce congestion at pinch point below Crowchild Overpass. Retaining wall and fence are required for Enmax power pole tie in clearance with 4 metre pathway.
- Western gathering node updated.
