West Vancouver locals can look forward to the return of their favourite reading spot as the District announces the Seawalk park will reopen at the end of this month.
On Wednesday, work officially began to revitalize the Seawalk Garden park nestled above the Seawalk near the foot of 19th St.
The project will transform the area into a more “tranquil and sustainable place”, with updates that improve its esthetics and capability of handling Vancouver’s longer, drier summers, said Natalie Roizman, of the District of West Vancouver.
Drought tolerant plants will be introduced and the removal of 50 per cent of the grass section will reduce reliance on irrigated turf, aligning to the District’s commitment to water conservation, said Roizman.
The installation of new paths will also ensure the park is more accessible and easier to navigate, she added.
The refurb will also see West Vancouver’s Honour of Life tree given a permanent home within the park.
A North Shore Hospice & Palliative Project initiative, the memorial tree was introduced 30 years ago to aid locals in coping with grief and loss. Members of the public are encouraged to scribble messages on provided card and hang them on the branches in memory of a lost loved one.
In previous years the tree has been erected in different locations in the park each December. Now, each Christmas it will stay in its new, designated place, made accessible by the new path installation, and will remain up and decorated until after the New Year.
“The park is now a place for remembrance, a place for quiet, reflective time and honouring people,” said Roizman.
“I think they’re very positive changes that we’re putting into place and the enhancements will beautify the community space and reflect that we are dedicated to sustainability and mitigating impacts of climate change,” she said.
“We certainly look forward to having the community experience the new gardens.”
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
