City of Vancouver asking for public input on new park design in Olympic Village

The City of Vancouver is asking for public input on a preferred park design for a new green space in Olympic Village.

The space is currently an empty lot and field, but will be the site of the proposed East Park. The park will span from First Avenue to the seawall on the east side of False Creek — a 1.2-hectare space.

The City is conducting online surveys on two proposed designs — “Braid” and “Breathe” — from now until April 16.

The “Braid” option has intricate paths surrounded by trees and shrubs and features a songbird tree grove to support bird species in the city and help filter air and provide shade. It would have a large green in the centre for socializing.

“Breathe” features more of an open-concept design, with two large meadows attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Nicole Taddune with the City of Vancouver says the online survey will determine which elements Vancouverites like and from there, planners will create the final blueprint for the park.

“This is not a vote [of] A versus B,” she said. “This is really just to understand what people value most, what they are most interested in, then we will amalgamate what is most preferred into a final concept.”

A public open house will be held April 13 at the Creekside Community Centre to answer any questions residents may have about the project.

The park is scheduled to be complete by the beginning of 2028.