Public Invited to Opening of Emery Barnes Park

September 22, 2003 (No. 55) - Emery Barnes Park will officially be opened at noon on Saturday, September 27, 2003. The public is invited to the opening celebrations for the completion of Phase One of this newest downtown park, located at the corner of Davie and Richards Streets. The festivities include dance and music performances, children's activities, and food and refreshments provided by Choices Markets. Park Board Chair Heather Deal, Deputy Mayor Sam Sullivan, Rotary Club of Vancouver President Don Kavanagh, and representatives of Emery Barnes' family will be on hand for the ceremonies.

11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Saturday - September 27, 2003
Official Ceremonies at 12 Noon
Emery Barnes Park
Corner of Davie and Richards Streets

The new Downtown South park site was named after Emery Barnes, a longtime community activist and a member of the British Columbia Legislature. His name was put forward in the community name gathering process and further supported by a delegation to the Board. A dedicated social worker and provincial politician representing Vancouver, Emery Barnes served the residents of the city over a long and distinguished career.

The park site was designed by Stevenson + Associates and was constructed by UCC Group Inc. The first phase of the park is just under one acre and includes flower beds, water features, lawn, trees, shrubs and classic stone work.

Cost to purchase the site for park purposes was $16 million and was primarily funded through an area specific development cost levy. Development costs for the first phase was about $1.4 million. The Rotary Club of Vancouver contributed $50,000 toward the park development project.

Contact: Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator, phone: 604-257-8440, vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.