Hastings Park - Great Rainy Day Adventure

January 9, 2006 - Don't let the liquid sunshine get you down, rather, embrace the rainy weather and find your way to the Italian Garden (il giardino) at Hastings Park. Officially opened in 2000 as part of the Hastings Park Restoration Project, this 2 hectare (7 acre) Italianate style garden celebrates Vancouver's, more than a few, rainy days. Architectural areas of the garden are animated by water through rills, cisterns, fountains and gargoyles along with other numerous design details referring to the weather.

A favourite year round destination for Hastings Park visitors, the Italian Gardens was largely sponsored by Vancouver's Italian community, many of whom settled in neighbourhoods adjacent to the park after World War II. They took a leadership role in the design process and fund raising initiatives for the garden.

Plan on spending at least an hour when visiting the garden to leave yourself time to walk, discover and reflect on some of the gardens beautiful and, often surprising elements including the whimsical fountain design and dramatic sculptural features that come to life in a downpour.

Step Inside

The main "entrance" to the garden is from Renfrew Street at Triumph Street which is located about midway in the block between Hastings and McGill Streets, through the Angelo Branca Parterre, which is home to a statue of Christopher Columbus called The Dreamer. This area and the statue are dedicated to the memory of Mr. Justice Angelo Branca, a native east ender and the youngest prosecutor of his day, served as a Park Commissioner and later was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court.

This entrance way is flanked by the Twin Parterres, or geometric gardens defined by neatly clipped shrubs and featuring formally planted summer perennials. In one, is a bronze sculpture created in Italy and entitled Monument Honouring Immigrants by the accomplished Italian sculptor, Sergio Comacchio.

The anchor of the il giardino is the Fountain and waterway that run through the centre of the garden from west to east, supporting the garden theme of "rain," fittingly suited to Vancouver and especially animated during a cloud burst. The gargoyles, cisterns and rills of the central water feature also provide a welcome oasis on hot summer days.

Cows as Barometers

A large area of the garden is devoted to the "Children's Piazza" a play area that features a subterranean slide and life size cast sculpture of a reclining cow. Agricultural lore has long been filled with tales of a "sixth sense" expressed by farmyard and domesticated animals. No animal exemplifies these stories more than that of cows. It is said that rain will come before the day's end if cows lie down, huddle under trees or refuse to graze. The curious are invited to climb on her benevolent back. This sculpture also serves as a reminder of the agricultural history at Hastings Park during the Pacific National Exhibition which continues to occupy this site during the late summer months.

Enjoy Hasting Park's Italian Garden anytime, but especially when it rains!

• Top