Photo courtesy St. Thomas DDB
A neglected downtown park could soon be transformed into a vibrant green space with cultural, recreational, and economic potential. At last Monday’s (July 20) meeting council members unanimously endorsed the Hepburn Parkette Revitalization Project for submission to the federal Build Communities Strong Fund.
As Adrienne Lacey Griffin, Director of Parks and Recreation, noted in her report to council, the fund “prioritizes projects that build, expand, or improve community infrastructure, strengthen community vitality, and enhance quality of life across southern Ontario.
“As a highly visible downtown greenspace with cultural, recreational, and economic potential, Hepburn Parkette aligns closely with these objectives.”
The design “Reimagines the parkette as a flexible and accessible environment featuring upgraded landscaping, pathways, seating, and lighting. New elements, including an interactive water feature, vendor kiosk, and performance space, are intended to support daily use as well as organized events and programming.
“Together, these features will encourage longer visits, increased activity, and broader community participation.”
Lacey Griffin continued, “A local community partner is working with an internationally renowned artist to explore a mural concept that will contribute to the overall vision for the space, enhance its visual identity, and reinforce the parkette as a recognizable downtown destination.
“This artist will also be partnering on a local educational piece for young artists.
“The revitalization is expected to generate meaningful economic benefits by increasing foot traffic and supporting nearby businesses. The addition of a kiosk will create opportunities for local entrepreneurs, while programming and events will attract visitors and animate the downtown core.
Total estimated cost is $1.64 million, with $100,000 in private fundraising already secured.
During discussion on the Hepburn Parkette motion, Coun. Earl Taylor advised, “During Nostalgia Nights last Saturday (July 11), the parkette was used very, very well.
“It’s unfortunate it didn’t happen last year, but I’m fingers crossed that we can get the funding for this to go through next year.”
Coun. Lori Baldwin-Sands observed, “This park has gone to a state of disrepair for an extended period of time, and to see the life that it can bring back, not just for the Talbot Street landscape, but for the entire community.
“I think it will be a great asset to our downtown and to the entire community and to the legacy of (former Ontario Premier and area resident) Mitchell Hepburn.”
Coun. Gary Clarke floated the idea of expanding the parkette.
“I hope that we would keep in mind the idea of a Phase 2 where we could push the parkette all the way through to Centre Street and make use of the parking lot. And so I’m hoping that as we design Phase 1, that we keep that in mind so that it doesn’t become problematic if we wanted to expand it.”
An idea endorsed by Coun. Joan Rymal.
If funding is approved, work would begin next year.
Written by Ian McCallum
