Broad Street Bridge Approaches – Landscape Improvements
The north and south banks which approach the west side of the Broad Street Bridge require landscape improvement. This small project is the initial phase of a larger landscape program to follow in anticipation of the eventual establishment of the lower Broad Street Pedestrian Bridge and its associated people features. Once grading and irrigation (if required) is complete, a granular pathway system will be provided in the heavily used pedestrian area south of the vehicle bridge. The pathway system north of the vehicle bridge will not be required until later
This project’s first phase will establish proper grades which will support pedestrian pathways coming off of the Broad Street sidewalk and landscape planting. The paths will facilitate the large numbers of park users who are now negotiating the bare slopes in random patterns. Currently there are no pedestrian connections between the Broad Street sidewalk and the lower pathway which runs under the Broad Street Bridge.
Hillsdale Corridor – Landscape Improvements
This phased project, when eventually completed, will provide a rich, landscaped corridor with hard surfaced pathways connecting a new park entrance at the corner of 23rd Avenue and Hillsdale Street, and Lakeshore Drive, a plan ratified as a significant component of the Wascana Centre 2006 Master Plan. It will provide a needed pedestrian linkage from south Regina to the developing pathway system around the west and east Wascana Lake basins
The first phase of this project occurred two years ago with the relocation of the WCA nursery fence providing the space required for the project to advance. Work during the summer of 2007 included the relocation of plant materials so that soil (fill) importation and land forming could occur. This year’s work will include further engineering and landscape design with possible site drainage implementation, and a continuation of soil (fill) importation and land forming.
Future phases will include the establishment of pathways, sculptural art or another special site feature, seating, planting of trees, shrubs and groundcovers, possibly lighting, and most importantly the establishment of a main entrance or gateway feature to define and otherwise invite walkers into the Centre and other neighbourhood, pedestrian connecting points.
Wascana Waterfowl Park Observation Deck and Interpretive Classroom
(WWPODIC) – Design
Authority staff prepared a conceptual design for an observation deck and conjoined outdoor interpretive classroom space for location with the display pond area. A concept consistent with the desire to further enhance Regina’s place as a major capital city, it developed as a result of the urging of local nature and kindred interest groups wishing to advance the notion of having this kind of facility within the Centre.
The working drawings of this project are continuing. As well, a three dimensional model has been constructed to assist in the fundraising process. WCA staff provided the consultant with an added mandate to add a mechanical lift to ensure accessibility to physically challenged users. Once complete, an estimate of construction costs will be provided to help the Authority and its stakeholders prepare an implementation strategy.
Pedestrian Bridges to Pelican Island – Design
Similar to the WWPODICO – Design project, there is a desire to increase and enhance the use of the Wascana Waterfowl Park area of the Centre, making it more attractive and accessible as an outdoor ecological classroom. Waterfowl Park/Wascana Marsh is an important and unique urban asset, particularly as Regina establishes itself as a significant capital city; this precinct thus demands responsive attention to these needs.
One of the ‘last day’ activities associated with the Big Dig project in March, 2004, was to create a new ‘stepping stone’ island between the Display Pond area of Wascana Waterfowl Park and the Saskatchewan Science Centre to the north.
Last year’s project investigated the most cost effective, aesthetic, and functional option(s) associated with moving park users between the north and south shores via this new island – called Pelican Island. With the staff’s assistance, a conceptual design was prepared by J.C. Kenyon Engineering and Crosby Hanna Landscape Architects. The design was subsequently approved by the Authority’s Landscape Advisor. This year’s funding will permit design development to proceed through the preliminary design stage, and allow for preparation of a project cost estimate. The completed preliminary package will include computer generated presentation drawings; the package will be well suited for fundraising activities.
