Public opinion wanted on plans to redevelop Stanley Park

In order to address changing needs and a growing amount of visitors to Stanley Park, City of Calgary Parks is encourage the public to review design concepts and proposed management strategies with an open house June 15.

"We hope to enhance visitors' experience and boost the park's environmental health through redevelopment," said Keith Parker, parks manager in charge of planning and development. "We are working with a number of stakeholders to identify refurbishment needs as well as management practices that best balance the needs of all park users."

The open house will be held at the Parks Administration Building at the park. Park representatives will be on hand as well as representatives from Stantec consulting team. There will be displays and an opportunity to comment on the draft vision, goals and guiding principles for the management strategies as well as a review of two design concepts for the park. "We are encouraging citizens to have a voice in the redevelopment," said Parker. "Parks is committed to reflecting the voices of citizens in our decisions on this project."

Popular in both the summer and winter months, the park is also home to the Stanley Park Lawn Bowling Club and the park-within-a-park, Princess Obolensky Park. Princess Obolensky fled the Russian Revolution in 1917 along with her family . In 1931, the Princess and her husband, Count Leo Von Kunigl moved to the Bow River Ranch south of Calgary. In 1952, the Princess opened a clothing store, La Boutique on Seventh Avenue which, according to calgary.ca, "was as much a social centre as a fashion centre." The park was dedicated to the Princess in 1984.

Tagged: Calgary Community | City of Calgary Parks | Open house | Stanley Park