Northern Light
Superstar
Putting my earlier expressed concerns to one side.....
Some thoughts on what could be considered for a such a large space.
Notwithstanding a desire for high-level design and some grandiosity, I think the needs of residents come first.
So the usual suspects, a playground, perhaps a sports field, and the like (given a potential 31 acres there is ample room.
Then, the 'grand gesture' space. I do favour anchoring such a space with a water feature.............but I'd like to propose, if possible, that such a feature provide
storm-water treatment for area buildings.......while still incorporating a grand element, be that a fountain, or waterfall or something else with a bit 'awe' to it.
For extras, I think doing something you don't see much in downtown or in parks might be nice.
Perhaps, a 'foragers garden' with edible native fruit trees and shrubs planted, and people encouraged, in this one spot, to pick to their hearts content.
3 kinds of native raspberries, wild grape, Canada plum, blackberry, black currant could all be included,
Perhaps some near-natives blueberry, and paw paw fruit. It could be both educational, and interactive.
***
How about a small patch of native forest with a focus on native wildflower plantings along the edges. Most people don't ever get to see Trilliums in the wild......
***
A small botanical display wouldn't be bad either. We rarely see the City do rose gardens for instance.
(I'm sure the City legal would moan about thorned-varieties......)
Some thoughts on what could be considered for a such a large space.
Notwithstanding a desire for high-level design and some grandiosity, I think the needs of residents come first.
So the usual suspects, a playground, perhaps a sports field, and the like (given a potential 31 acres there is ample room.
Then, the 'grand gesture' space. I do favour anchoring such a space with a water feature.............but I'd like to propose, if possible, that such a feature provide
storm-water treatment for area buildings.......while still incorporating a grand element, be that a fountain, or waterfall or something else with a bit 'awe' to it.
For extras, I think doing something you don't see much in downtown or in parks might be nice.
Perhaps, a 'foragers garden' with edible native fruit trees and shrubs planted, and people encouraged, in this one spot, to pick to their hearts content.
3 kinds of native raspberries, wild grape, Canada plum, blackberry, black currant could all be included,
Perhaps some near-natives blueberry, and paw paw fruit. It could be both educational, and interactive.
***
How about a small patch of native forest with a focus on native wildflower plantings along the edges. Most people don't ever get to see Trilliums in the wild......
***
A small botanical display wouldn't be bad either. We rarely see the City do rose gardens for instance.
(I'm sure the City legal would moan about thorned-varieties......)
