Unique park expansion proposed for space under Cambie Street Bridge
A proposed expansion of Coopers’ Park underneath the north end of the Cambie Street Bridge in downtown Vancouver is envisioned to be a unique new public space in the city.
The Vancouver Park Board wants to expand the park westwards towards Marinaside Crescent, taking over an existing paved space.
As this space is located under the bridge, this site “provides cover from the weather and the possibility for year-round use in a uniquely urban environment.”
This will add to the park’s other covered areas under the bridge, including a playground, half basketball court, and small skate park. And last summer, this same area was used for Uninterrupted, a nightly projection display on the underside of the bridge deck.
At the moment, the Park Board has created the following preliminary conceptual design options for consideration:
Destination public art
Could there be a giant, multi-storey tall octopus with tentacles that touch the bridge deck ceiling? That’s just one of the examples provided to offer a “big and bold” public art piece that attracts people and becomes a city landmark.
Concept for the Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Example of Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Example of Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Hang out
Ropes, swings, and rings could be suspended from the ceiling to encounter community interaction.
Concept for the Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Example of Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Visual gateway
A gateway, such as an interactive tunnel with lights, could connect Coopers’ Park’s north and south areas under the bridge.
Concept for the Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Example of Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Climbing wall
The underside of the bridge deck could become a climbing wall, providing a new recreational opportunity in the area.
Concept for the Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Example of Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Outdoor fitness gym
Want to work out at “Vanice Beach?” The covered space would be an ideal location for fitness gym and parkour equipment.
Concept for the Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Example of Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
‘Bright spot’ public art
Such a concept would “provide respite from rainy days” and “bring bold colour to the urban environment.”
Concept for the Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
Example of Coopers’ Park expansion. (Vancouver Park Board)
The public can provide feedback and suggest other ideas in this survey until June 14.
Meanwhile, on the south end of the Cambie Street Bridge, a space under the bridge deck is slated to become a temporary skate park until a permanent replacement is built for Vancouver Skate Plaza under the Dunsmuir and Georgia viaducts, which will be demolished next year as part of the Northeast False Creek redevelopment plan.
See also
- New skatepark proposed underneath Cambie Street Bridge
- 3-acre temporary park coming to Concord Pacific lands at Northeast False Creek
- Vancouver releases plans for new 11-acre Northeast False Creek park
- Fly-through animation of Vancouver's new Northeast False Creek design (VIDEO)
- City Council approves viaducts demolition and Northeast False Creek Plan
- Plaza of Nations redevelopment will give Vancouver a real entertainment district
- Downtown's newest park will have its own hammocks!