Olympic Plaza (Calgary)
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The Olympic Plaza is an urban park and gathering place in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Located around Macleod Trail and 7 Avenue South, it was created as the venue for the medal ceremonies at the 1988 Winter Olympics.[1] In 2004, over 30,000 people packed the plaza to celebrate the Calgary Flames' run to the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals.[2]
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Olympic Plaza serves as a meeting place, and an outdoor event area, hosting concerts and festivals. In the winter, it is used as a public ice skating area.[3] The plaza is accessible by Calgary's CTrain system at the City Hall station.[3]
Due to its location, directly across from Calgary City Hall and at the head of major pedestrian thoroughfare Stephen Avenue, the plaza is often the site of protests.[4][5][6] The plaza has raised concerns with residents due to the large concentration of the homeless around the plaza, as well as a significant increase in violent crime and opioid overdoses.[7]
Olympic Plaza Cultural District Engagement & Design Report (October 2016)[8][circular reference]
The Olympic Plaza Cultural District (OPCD) in Calgary, Canada, celebrates the city's legacy as an Olympic host and serves as an essential public gathering space. As the district approached its 30th anniversary, the City of Calgary initiated a review and redesign of the OPCD to reimagine its future. This initiative followed the Civic District Public Realm Strategy approved by Calgary City Council in early 2016, emphasizing the importance of Olympic Plaza and its surrounding areas within the city's public realm.
Participants highlighted several key themes during the engagement process:
- Preservation of Legacy: Residents strongly desired to preserve the Olympic legacy and heritage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Olympic Plaza's historical elements.
- Free Skating and Pond: There was significant emphasis on maintaining the free skating rink and reflecting pond, viewed as crucial year-round attractions that enhance the plaza's appeal during winter.
- Activation and Access: Suggestions were made to enhance the activation of the space throughout the year and improve accessibility to make the plaza more welcoming and safe.
- Integration of Green and Grey Spaces: Feedback showed a preference for a balanced integration of greenery and urban elements to enhance both aesthetic and functional aspects of the plaza.
- Cultural and Art Integration: There was a significant interest in more cultural events and artistic displays to reflect Calgary's vibrant arts scene.
- Safety and Inclusivity: Ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors was a prominent concern, with suggestions for improved lighting, security presence, and activities that engage a diverse demographic.
As part of the expansive redevelopment of the Arts Commons in Calgary, which includes a significant transformation project valued at $660 million, there will be noticeable changes to the surrounding areas, including the Olympic Plaza. The Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) is closely linked with the reimagining of the Olympic Plaza, designed to integrate the plaza as an essential part of the Arts Commons campus. This redevelopment aims to enhance Calgary's cultural footprint by expanding the capacity for arts and cultural events.
One of the noted impacts of this transformation is the loss of significant treed areas within the Olympic Plaza. The construction and expansion plans necessitate alterations to the landscape, which include the reduction of green spaces to accommodate new structures and improved facilities. This change is a part of a broader strategy to revitalize downtown Calgary and boost its appeal as a hub for arts and culture, which involves balancing built spaces with natural environments.
Active Consultation on the future of Olympic Plaza[10]
The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) is currently engaging the public to gather input on the transformation of Olympic Plaza. This consultation is a crucial step in the redesign process aimed at turning the plaza into a modern, inclusive, and arts-focused gathering space. Members of the public are invited to share their ideas and feedback on how they currently use the plaza and what they hope to see in its revitalization.
The opportunity to contribute to the consultation process was open until June 5, 2024. Calgary residents could participate in the online survey available through CMLC's dedicated webpage for the Olympic Plaza Transformation. Additionally, CMLC was hosting pop-up events throughout May 2024 around Olympic Plaza to facilitate more interactive engagement and gather diverse viewpoints.
The transformation of Olympic Plaza in Calgary has sparked some public controversy, particularly concerning the fate of the commemorative bricks and possible changes to the skating rink.[11]
Commemorative Bricks:[12] One major point of contention involves the potential removal or destruction of commemorative bricks that were placed in the plaza following the 1988 Winter Olympics. These bricks hold sentimental value as they bear the names of donors and supporters from that time. Concerns have been raised about preserving these elements of the plaza’s history as the redesign progresses.
Skating Rink: The rink, known for being the only refrigerated outdoor ice surface in the city, has been a popular winter venue. There's a strong community attachment to this facility, and any changes or potential removal has met with resistance, including a petition on Change.org and public appeals to retain this beloved feature.
These controversies highlight the challenges of updating a public space that holds historical and cultural significance while trying to meet contemporary urban needs. The city has encouraged public feedback on these matters through various platforms and engagement events, aiming to balance development with preservation and public sentiment[13]
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