Green Line Public Gardens Initiative

 

Council put forward a notice of motion (December 2018) to explore placing public gardens along the Green Line. Public gardens are places that bring people together to:

  • Build community
  • Make social connections
  • Enjoy the outdoor spaces and public art

Parks Foundation Calgary will lead this program based on their experience with these kinds of projects. Their Public Gardens Master Plan will identify an initial six project areas. For more information, you can read the Green Line LRT Public Gardens Scoping Report.

A public garden is a piece of land appropriated for public enjoyment and recreation that serves as a gathering place for communities. It may be cultivated and ought to be enriched by art.

Key themes

 

Railway gardens have historically beautified public spaces through landscaping along railway lines. The Public Garden Program will use this vision to create vibrant modern public spaces. Public gardens will focus on six key themes:

 

  • Community: Public Gardens can become community hubs and should involve the community at all stages.
  • Art and history: Public Gardens must include art. They should also include historic and educational elements when appropriate.
  • Seasonal and year-round use: Public Gardens must be designed for use in all four seasons.
  • Events: Public Gardens should include flexible space that allows events when appropriate.
  • Wayfinding: Public Gardens should promote Green Line station wayfinding and connect to nearby amenities.
  • Digital technology: Public Gardens should use digital elements to promote awareness, wayfinding, and education when appropriate.

Public art in Harley Hotchkiss Gardens near the 4 Street SW LRT station.

City Shaping and long-term benefits

The Public Gardens Initiative is closely tied to long-term goals like Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan and the City Shaping Framework. Benefits to Green Line communities include:

  • Creating more greenspace
  • Attracting investment
  • Promoting art
  • Creating outstanding public spaces

   

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