fromyeg
Active Member
Looks at those nice trees!
Trees and grass make a place so much nicer to spend time in.
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Looks at those nice trees!
Trees and grass make a place so much nicer to spend time in.
thommyjo
Senior Member
Agreed. But I wonder if that’s not worth it? For the 15 days a year, could we not just close a block of the street nearby? 85% of the time is a soulless grey parking lot essentially for people to walk through that gives such a bad impression due to its size. It needs 30+ people to not feel eerily empty. A plaza like in Saskatoon’s similar 3 building development would allow a lot more vibrancy to be felt by just a handful of people being amongst the benches and fountains and greenery.
ADob
Active Member
I lived in Mill Woods and my best friend lived off Whyte and we went to high school in the west end. We'd meet downtown to take the #7 to school and on nice days, on the way home, we'd sit on the grass, do our homework, and enjoy the sunshine. It was such a lovely space and there is literally nothing about the new one that comes close. It's great for programming, but that happens rarely, exactly like the plaza under discussion. Spaces should be designed for enjoyable day-to-day passive use unless they're purpose-built for something that happens more than a couple times a year.
TAS
Senior Member
As someone who lived across the street from Churchill Square last year from July to Dec, I would definitely not say programming "happens rarely". In fact, especially during summer, there was often something going on.
As someone who walked through Ice District during those same months, it was rare to see anything going on.
Edmcowboy11
Senior Member
I also remember Churchill Square with the big trees and grass which was really really nice. I remember also how the grass in the central part of the square was annually turned into mud due to the festivals that brought a ton of people to the square. I think that the way Churchill is now is far superior in that we can see all these festivals every year and not have to resod the square after each Festival season. I think this is a great design for this public realm.
As for the ice District Plaza, we also have to remember that this is essentially private property and is programming space for Rogers Place. This is the arenas front door for any and all of the events at this building. Could it have more green, yes it definitely could but I think that could or should be accomplished with planters with smaller trees and flowers. Should the ice District be busier in the summertime, sure, and I know that OEG tries to bring different events to the plaza and the fan Park.
As for the ice District Plaza, we also have to remember that this is essentially private property and is programming space for Rogers Place. This is the arenas front door for any and all of the events at this building. Could it have more green, yes it definitely could but I think that could or should be accomplished with planters with smaller trees and flowers. Should the ice District be busier in the summertime, sure, and I know that OEG tries to bring different events to the plaza and the fan Park.
constance_chlore
Senior Member
It's the urban space equivalent of an open floor plan.
thommyjo
Senior Member
cloney
New Member
What if we added a 7th(?) bank in the middle of the plaza with 360 degree tellers.
The non winter underutilization of this place is really sad. Especially considering the existing spaces that exist like the 3 levels of patios/balconys on stantec that are never used. It doesn’t help that 103ave and 104ave surrounding this plaza are uncomfortable places to exist in outside of a car. I will say that I do think the ice rink in winter(when it’s open) does look really nice and is a great free amenity to have, but it’s not like it wouldn’t also benefit form more interaction from the immediate surroundings
The non winter underutilization of this place is really sad. Especially considering the existing spaces that exist like the 3 levels of patios/balconys on stantec that are never used. It doesn’t help that 103ave and 104ave surrounding this plaza are uncomfortable places to exist in outside of a car. I will say that I do think the ice rink in winter(when it’s open) does look really nice and is a great free amenity to have, but it’s not like it wouldn’t also benefit form more interaction from the immediate surroundings
ADob
Active Member
This space is perfect for strings of fairy lights, potted plants, tables and chairs with umbrellas, and live music on weekends. This, roughly, is also what was promised. Maybe not in the particulars, but this was supposed to be a lively, active space. And the potential is so there. In a city where most patios front loud car sewers not conducive to a chill drink and conversation, this place is sheer perfection. But even the few restos we have there don't seem to bother much. It makes no sense to me. What is happening there? Is it the banks or something else?
roe_
Active Member
I know this isn't a Churchill thread, but can we please not romanticize the old square; it was poorly designed for large events in a major city. While less green, the new setup is much more useable during the summer and is well programmed. Let's focus on the real problems, not the imagined ones.
The quoted post is a recent example of great the square is now.
ADob
Active Member
I'm not romanticizing. I enjoyed spending time there when it was treed; I do not enjoy spending time there now. We are entitled to our opinions.
David A
Senior Member
Both Churchill and Ice District are designed more to host large events and not as much for regular day to day use by the public. I suppose that is a trade off of being a bigger city.
However, with all the concrete they can also become a bit uncomfortable and unbearable on hot and sunny days. I feel more can be to make them more comfortable and appealing when there are not major events on.
Jspr
New Member
Edmcowboy11
Senior Member
We I guess its good we have Beaver Hills Park, Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, Alex Decoteau Park, Michael Phair Park, O-day'min Park and Legislature Grounds in the general downtown area.
David A
Senior Member
Yes, we do now have a lot of nice alternatives, although they are a bit clustered together on the west side of downtown.