Coopers’ Park on the seawall in Yaletown will be expanding, and the City of Vancouver is seeking residents’ feedback on what they would like to see in an expanded park space.
Part of Coopers’ Park is located under the Cambie Street Bridge, alongside Marinaside Crescent.
The existing basketball courts and skatepark will remain, but a new area will be freed up where a metal boat storage structure once stood. City staff say the structure was never used for its intended purpose.
The park expansion is being made possible through the collection of Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) from nearby developments, a portion of which were slated to go towards improvements to Coopers’ Park.
On-site open house May 30
The city says “developing under the bridge provides cover from the weather and the possibility for year-round use in a uniquely urban environment” and is seeking public input at an upcoming public open house:
Wednesday, May 30, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Coopers’ Park, 1020 Marinaside Crescent (under the bridge)
City staff will be on hand to answer questions, and the first 200 people to fill out a survey will receive a free Johnny Pop (Vancouver-made artisanal popsicle). An opportunity to provide feedback online will follow.
Additional improvements to Coopers’ Park possible
In addition to this project, the city says other improvements to Coopers’ Park will considered in the next few years, and will be conducted on separate timelines including: a washroom facility, improvements to the dog off-leash area and renovations to the playground.
Cambie Street Bridge in line for seismic upgrades
City staff caution that they are only looking at developing a concept for the site and the construction timeline is uncertain, as the Cambie Street bridge requires seismic upgrading. The timeline of improvements to Coopers’ Park could be impacted by any seismic upgrades to the bridge.
New park at Smithe and Richards
The expansion to Coopers’ Park isn’t the only park project happening in the neighbourhood. Construction is slated to begin soon on a new city park at the corner of Smithe and Richards.
