Old park by new Regina stadium due for $2.1M facelift, officials say
Fountain in Confederation Park should be replicated — not refurbished, report says
Confederation Park, on the exhibition grounds in Regina, is ready for a $2.1 million facelift, according to a report from city officials.
The park is one of the oldest in the city and, when Regina's new football stadium is ready, officials want it to be an integral part of that space as an entranceway and activity area.
Officials noted the park is in need of sprucing up.
"The assets have deteriorated and are in need of capital investment," officials said in a report to a committee of city council.
The park was completed in 1927 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. Officials said it would be fitting to have the park rejuvenated in time for the 150th anniversary in 2017.
Officials are recommending that a key feature of the park — a fountain — be replicated. They said refurbishing the existing fountain would add around $500,000 to the price tag for fixing up the park and would be a tricky job.
"Due to the poor condition of the fountain and significant interventions needed to complete a refurbishment, if a restoration were to be undertaken, it is anticipated that little of the original fountain structure would remain," the report said.
The recommended $2.1 million budget would include a replica fountain, new pathways as well as new trees, planters, benches and other park amenities.
Officials consulted with residents of the North Central neighbourhood about the park and learned that many thought a skating surface would also be a good element for the renovated park. Officials rejected the idea, saying it would cost too much to maintain, and noted there are other skating options for people in the community.
City council has the final say on what happens to the park.