Edmonton’s most iconic park is temporarily closing on Monday – for three years.
According to the City, Hawrelak Park will undergo underground work and upgrades to it’s facilities.
Plans are to replace the majority of the water, sewer and electrical lines and address drainage issues. The city will also be dredging the sediment from the lake bottom.
Above-ground work includes upgrading benches,the playground, picnic tables and sites, replacing the paddle boat dock and adding lighting for security.
Nearly 50 toilets on the grounds will be upgraded with some pre-purposed to be gender-inclusive washrooms.
The city had estimated the project will cost between $50 and $150 million.
200+ trees will be cut down during construction, but the city plans to plant more trees when the project is complete.
Trails along the river and leading to the stairs on the south side of Groat Road will remain open.
The city plans to reopen Hawrelak Park for winter activity in late 2025 or early 2026.
Officials of the Edmonton Heritage Festival announced that it has found a new home while Hawrelak Park is being renovated. They will move to the Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park from 2023 to 2025. The festival is expected to return to Hawrelak once all the work is done.
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