Arbutus Greenway could feature everything from playgrounds, public art and historical markers to edible plantings, deciduous trees and organic farming if some of the ideas dreamed up at last week’s city-organized “design jam” are realized.
More than 100 people — city staff, residents from neighbourhoods across Vancouver and technical experts — participated in the multi-day workshop aimed at delving deeper into what people envision for the nine-kilometre-long transportation corridor.
Lon LaClaire, the city’s director of transportation, said there was a variety of feedback.
“We heard a broad range of ideas in terms of desired features, amenities and experiences from our design jam participants,” he told the Courier in an email.
“Many of these suggestions re-affirmed what we heard during the visioning phase of engagement.”
Those ideas include providing a high-quality, accessible space for walking and cycling; creating a safe, comfortable and welcoming destination; connecting to neighbourhoods, parks and other points of interest along the greenway; and keeping green spaces for biodiversity and to reconnect with nature.
#VanParkBoard staff helping with #ArbutusGreenway weekend design jam, an amazing opportunity to connect green and public spaces in Vancouver pic.twitter.com/nFmLxkt03b
— Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) October 30, 2017
Making the #arbutusgreenway from Bdway-11th #safe, #beautiful, and #inviting pic.twitter.com/cM3QgxlmQ6
— Timothy Douglas (@timpdouglas) October 29, 2017
Numerous sketches were produced during the design jam to illustrate participants' input.
LaClaire cited ideas such as incorporating edible and native plantings, and designing spaces that encourage social interaction, while also providing spaces for quiet reflection and contemplation.
“We heard that many people are looking for the character of the greenway to change as they travel along it — they’re hoping to find moments of both excitement and peaceful reflection,” he told the Courier.
“In terms of a highlight [of the design jam], it is the level of enthusiasm from participants in the room and the creativity of their ideas. It’s also quite unusual and special to have citywide participation to this level, including at least one representative from each neighbourhood in the city.”
Day 3 of #arbutusgreenway design jam. My team working on defining W 6th area as an urban garden w/ bike & walking spaces.@CityofVancouver pic.twitter.com/gD4Rfna95o
— Jada Natalie Stevens (@cityjada) October 29, 2017
The city will present a “preferred design concept” for the greenway to the public next spring.
Design jam sketches:
More information about the project can be found at vancouver.ca/arbutus-greenway