2008 News and Information
City Unveils Riverside Spirit Square
10 November 2008Mayor Malcolm Brodie and Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap cut the ribbon on the Riverside Spirit Square, the spacious, multi-level plaza on the riverfront side of the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Riverside Spirit Square was made possible in part by the provincial government as part of the B.C. Spirit Square Program, designed to commemorate the 150 anniversary of the founding of B.C. The goal of BC Spirit Squares Program is to support the creation or improvement of gathering places for community celebrations in cities and towns throughout B.C. It is one of four Green Cities programs realizing the provincial government’s vision of greener, healthier, livable communities.
The Musqueam Warriors opened the celebratory event, which also featured entertainment by The Grand Trine and interpretive tours of the square.
Riverside Spirit Square is a key component of the City’s waterfront strategy in the City Centre Plan. It will become the outdoor focal point of the new, sustainable mixed-use development planned for the Oval precinct after the 2010 Winter Games.
“Riverside Spirit Square is the heart of the Richmond Olympic Oval precinct, and reflects the transformation that is taking place in this neighbourhood,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “It is a taste of what’s to come as we energize this part of our city.”
The 12,000 sq metre area combines an upper plaza next to the Oval and an open green along the riverfront, connected by a large sweep of steps that recalls the arcing tracks left by a speed skater’s blades, and will serve as an informal amphitheatre for events. The programmable area will hold more than 5,000 spectators and is ideal for water shows, such as rowing competitions. It connects to the trail system that runs along the river, and is fully accessible.
The square was part of the overall design of the Richmond Olympic Oval, led by Cannon Design and including landscape architects and urban designers Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg. This celebration precedes the grand opening of the Oval itself, to be held on December 12 and 13.
