A brand new park has opened in Vancouver’s downtown core – the first one in 10 years. Located at Smithe and Richards streets in Yaletown, the 0.8 acre site has been transformed by an innovative design to offer dynamic spaces for residents and visitors.

“This park marks an important chapter in the transformation of downtown Vancouver. Setting a standard for innovative, high-capacity, three-dimension community spaces, this park demonstrates how to deliver access to nature, leisure, health, and community connection in a dense urban setting – and is like nothing Vancouver has seen before,” said Dave Hutch, director of planning and park development at the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.

Designed by Dialog, a third of the park is planted with over 6,000 shrubs, perennials, climbers, and mature trees, many of which are significant to and used in Indigenous culture, food, and medicine. Rain and water from the plaza’s water feature is collected, filtered, and channeled for irrigation and flushing toilets, or cleaned by aquatic plants before entering the city’s storm sewers. The on site cafe is designed with a 30 per cent reduction in energy use and features a green roof.

The park features dynamic play areas, climbing frames, hammocks, cozy seating nooks, art installations, towering skyframes, and multi-dimensional walkways that go far beyond the traditional concept of a park.

“This park will be a gathering place in the city like no other. It’s a symbol of connection to one another, to the land, and an opportunity to build further collaboration with the host Nations for education, programming, and artwork,” says Park Board chair Stuart Mackinnon. “I’m beyond excited for the communities that make up this city to unite in the burst of colour and joy this park brings to the downtown core.”

An official naming ceremony will announce the name gifted by the host Nations for this park in June 2022.