William Hawrelak Park in Edmonton Set to Reopen After $134.5 Million Rehabilitation
William Hawrelak Park in Edmonton is nearing the end of its extensive rehabilitation project and is scheduled to reopen to the public this winter. The City of Edmonton recently provided a tour to local media to showcase the completed upgrades and improvements after a three-year closure.
Project Overview and Budget
The $134.5 million project, which began in 2023, remained both on schedule and within budget. The rehabilitation work addressed critical infrastructure needs, facility upgrades, and improvements to open spaces throughout the park. The closure was deemed necessary to ensure public safety during the extensive repair work. The upgrades include:
- Replacement of deep underground utility infrastructure.
- Renovations to park facilities, including picnic shelters and the main pavilion.
- Landscaping improvements and pathway paving.
Underground Infrastructure and Key Challenges
A significant portion of the project focused on replacing the deep underground utility infrastructure. This included the storm, sanitary, water distribution, power, and irrigation systems. According to Matthew Everett, the general supervisor for the City of Edmonton, a primary challenge was completing all the necessary work within a three-year timeframe. Everett emphasized the importance of a well-defined plan to address the crucial infrastructure needs in the first year, considering the park's popularity and community significance.
"I think the biggest challenge around this project was really incorporating the work in a three-year period," said Matthew Everett, the general supervisor for the City of Edmonton. "Because this park is so beloved, ... [we wanted] to make sure that we had a real plan to address all of the deep infrastructure in Year 1."
Completed and Remaining Work
Significant progress has been made this year on landscaping and various park facilities. Recently completed tasks include paving roadways and pathways, installing new playground equipment, cleaning and reshaping the lake, and repairing the Trans Canada Trail. The remaining tasks involve electrical and mechanical work in the facilities, finishing details in the playground and Heritage Amphitheatre, and final landscaping touches such as laying sod and planting trees.
Preparing for Reopening
As construction winds down, the City of Edmonton is preparing to reopen the park by installing picnic tables, benches, and signage. The goal is to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for the public when the park reopens this winter. Everett expressed enthusiasm about the reopening and the return of various events and programs that the park typically hosts.
"We're really excited about showcasing this park — when it's closed down for three years, it is a long time," Everett said. "I know a lot of families do gather here."
