Sparwood’s Centennial Square renovations are powering along, with the public space in the centre of town now little more than a (soon to be tamped-down) gravel pit.
Pictures taken in mid-July show the area is completely cleared and ready for works to proceed apace on making it a more vibrant gathering place for the community.
“Things are right on time,” said Sparwood Mayor David Wilks. “I’m lead to believe the next thing that happens is more paving, some bricked area and some trees going in.”
Centennial Square was last updated in 1984, and was due for a refresher. The District was canvassing opinion and weighing options from 2020 through 2021, with a final design signed-off on in the first half of 2021 that incorporated community feedback and councillor concerns.
“I can’t speak for the rest of the town, but I’m certainly excited. This was four years in the making. We went through a lot of changes with it. I think we’ve got.”
The new square, when completed will feature a completely re-done central plaza and improved streetscape amenities to improve access and encourage usage. Later, the district will work on a new multi-use event lawn using land the district purchased off the neighbouring Catholic Church.
“I’m looking forward to it. I hope the community likes it – I think that they will,” said Wilks.
Parking and street access has been an issue for businesses, with the new park expected to host 13 parking spaces, and retain the island plaza in the centre. The square previously had around 31 places.
Work on the new square began in May, and is expected (hoped) to be completed by late October. Businesses remain open.
READ MORE: New Centennial Square design green-lit by Sparwood
READ MORE: Centennial Square revitalization project in Sparwood breaks ground
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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