Area residents cheered as fencing surrounding Pigeon Park came down for good.
After five years of planning to upgrade the concrete patch at Carrall and Hastings Streets, the refurbished public space opened yesterday offering increased seating, an accessible water fountain and a self-cleaning public toilet, which will open in April.
"The park and the Carrall Street Greenway will hopefully be done in the spring," said park board commissioner Sarah Blyth.
Celebrations for the park's opening included a free chili lunch and entertainment from community acts like the Carnegie Community Choir.
Vancouver Park Board earmarked $187,000 to improve the space, which last underwent renovations in the 1970s.
PARK HIGHLIGHTS
ALREADY THERE:
- three new light standards
- 10 new benches featuring aboriginal carvings
- a new drinking fountain
- granite Pigeon Park sign
- sturdy new tree grates protecting existing trees
ON THE WAY
- automated self-cleaning public toilet to open in April
- a permanent power supply for light standards
- kiosks to provide electricity for events
- a mosaic tile table
