The revitalization of Centennial Square in Sparwood kicked off with an official groundbreaking on Tuesday (May 17).
“Sparwood Mayor and Council are excited to see the transformation of Centennial Square begin,” reads a May 18 press release from the district.
The project will create “a significant change to the landscape on Centennial Street as the Square will be brought up to grade and converted into a space that is usable and accessible.”
“The design of Centennial Square focuses largely on elements of the natural landscape, and will be a welcoming and relaxing space for residents to enjoy.”
Greenspace, seating, planters and an outdoor fire pit are all part of the design, which focuses on ‘usability’, the release says. It will allow the space to be a gathering area that can be used for community events and activities. Lighting upgrades will be completed to add ‘ambiance’, and to allow the space to be accessible during periods of lower light.
Mayor David Wilks is quoted in the release saying they are eager for the revitalization of the space.
“With the changes that will occur over the summer, Centennial Square will become a location central to the activity in our community. It will be a space where residents can gather and celebrate big outdoor events, or families can meet to enjoy time around the outdoor fire pit,” he said.
Explaining the work to be done, the release says: “The project will begin with water looping, seeing water line upgrades from Centennial Square to the lane behind Greenwood Mall. Following the placement of that infrastructure, the focus will be on Centennial Square as it is torn down and brought back up to ground level.
“In addition, Centennial Street will be resurfaced, and the District Office will see some accessibility and landscape upgrades. Important historical elements of the space, such as the water spray gun, and the memorial pillar have been safely removed and will be incorporated in other locations within the community.”
The project is likely to impact traffic routes and ‘some minor’ business accessibility until the end of October.
The official re-opening of Centennial Square will follow the expected end of the project in the fall of 2022.
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josh.fischlin@thefreepress.ca
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