Grand plans for Gage
Beautiful birds, green roofs, tropical plants and a revival of Sunday night concerts ... they're all part of plans to draw visitors regionwide to a bigger and better Gage Park.
March 22, 2010
Dana Brown
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/740499
City councillors today will debate an ambitious plan to dramatically transform Gage Park with a new Children's Museum, expanded tropical plant house, and an aviary.
The new facilities would be housed in a central hub complex near the current city works yard.
"I think it's got ... huge potential," said area Councillor Bernie Morelli. "It's obviously one of the crown jewels of our system."
The plan has been five years in the making as part of a new vision for the park. The cost for the entire project, which includes constructing a storm water management facility on the eastern edge of the park, is not yet clear.
Some work has already begun. There has been a new wrought iron fence installed along Main Street and a concerted effort has been made to tame overgrown greenery for safety reasons.
But there's still a long way to go.
Rob Norman, manager of landscape architectural services with the city, said the revamp will likely be done in a phased manner.
Costs for the central hub complex, as city staff call the group of buildings, and associated landscaping would go through the 2011 budget process.
"By having all the facilities together they can complement each other and work together," Norman said of the hub.
"Similarly, you can have shared parking and shared infrastructure. The new buildings are looking at the concept of LEED technology with green roofs potentially on some of them to make them very efficient and achieve efficiencies together."
The final plan is based on four preliminary versions that were presented to the public in 2006. Staff say the latest version will help strengthen the ornamental flower beds, historic water features and the overall park geometry.
There's also expected to be a financial benefit from expanding programming in the park. A major renovation will also allow the city to address barrier-free issues by converting walkways to hard surfaces.
Dave Beland, recording secretary for Friends of Gage Park, called the reno "long overdue."
"We've been pushing for it for a long time ... We're hoping that the plan will be developed around the fountain area next."
In addition to the revamp, Morelli says he's also working on generating new activities in the park. They include bringing back Sunday night concerts.