Public Open House

Pioneer Place ("Pigeon Park") and Carrall Street Greenway Designs and Arts in the Downtown Eastside

December 9, 2005 (No. 80) - The public is invited to an open house showcasing several exciting community building and revitalization initiatives for the Downtown Eastside. Staff and consultants will be in attendance. Everyone is invited to drop by, learn about the projects and enjoy the music of the neighbourhood.

Thursday, December 15th, 2005
3 - 7 pm
Centre A Gallery - 2 West Hastings (at Carrall Street)

The Park Board has initiated a consultation process for a new concept design for Pioneer Place ("Pigeon Park") with park users and community members. This well used community gathering place is located along the Carrall Street Greenway at the corner of Hastings and Carrall Streets. The last major upgrade of the park occurred in the mid-1970s. Improvements being considered include replacement of existing elements in the park (concrete surface, benches, drinking fountain, and lamppost) and the addition of trees and shrubs, historical references and public art. If approved by the Park Board, the improvements to "Pigeon Park" would be completed in 2006. The City's detailed design for the new Carrall Street Greenway will also be on view at the open house.

A number of major community art initiatives will be showcased at the open house, including a Public Realm Arts Program and Event Plan for the public spaces west of Main Street. In addition, North Sky Consulting has been hired to develop an Arts and Culture Strategic Framework and Investment Plan to support cultural activities, programs and infrastructure. A Public Art Plan for the Carrall Street Greenway Neighbourhood is being developed to provide a range of public art opportunities, including art work based in the communities of the DTES and engaging the creativity of residents. Finally, Storyscapes, a storytelling project, will give Aboriginal people the means to express their stories, to represent their own maps of Vancouver, to give voice to their dreams, to honour the stories of their ancestors, and to share their rich knowledge of the land. Sites are contemplated for the greenway. The public is invited to share their ideas and get involved in these community art projects.

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For further information, contact: Pigeon Park Redevelopment, Michel Desrochers (Park Board) at 604-257-8529. Carrall Street Greenway, Jessica Chen-Adams (City Planning) at 604-873-7754. DTES Arts Projects, Susan Gordon (Park Board) 604-257-8495.

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.

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