The District of Sparwood celebrated the grand opening of its newly improved Centennial Plaza Aug. 18.
The space has been redesigned as a community gathering space complete with an outdoor fire pit.
“It will create a gathering space for residents and opportunities where people can host events, gather, get some time and really provide a central focal point for the community,” said Rory O’Connor, manager of social responsibility at Teck.
Centennial Plaza was created in 1967 and upgrades were long overdue.
The plaza is adorned with decorative greenery and lights have been added to give the space some ambiance in the evening and in winter months. A wood and metal bench by the fire pit provides visitors with a shady place to sit.
READ MORE: Teck donates $1M for development of Sparwood’s Centennial Plaza
Historical elements like the memorial pillar and the water spray gun have been removed and will be incorporated in other locations within the community.
The project was funded through grants and donations from federal and provincial governments, Columbia Basin Trust, and Teck. Teck provided $1 million.
“This is a major capital project for them in terms of helping to enhance the livability, the beautification and amplifying Teck’s social and community investment within the District of Sparwood,” said O’Connor.
“It will really tie in the 60,000 to 80,000 visitors per year who stop at the Titan truck off the highway in Sparwood and give them more of a central gathering space within the community, so they can do further exploration,” he added.
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