Bannerman Park Revitalization Projects Moving Forward

Bannerman Park will undergo a major makeover beginning this spring as construction work begins on a number of important projects.

“For both the City of St. John’s and the Bannerman Park Foundation this is an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the most historic open space in the City,” says Deputy Mayor Shannie Duff, council liaison to the Bannerman Park Foundation. “We certainly apologize in advance for any inconvenience created by the construction work this summer, but by next year we will have a park with all the amenities of a modern facility, but the charm and historic features of a traditional Victorian park.”

The Bannerman Park Foundation is currently in the midst of a capital campaign to raise $3 million to go towards the revitalization of the park. These funds will be matched 100 per cent by the City of St. John’s.

Some of the new features being constructed in the park this summer include:

• Pool House – A much needed expansion and reconstruction of the 60-year old Bannerman Park Pool House will include construction of fully accessible washrooms and change rooms, a space designed to enhance community use in the Park, and the installation of a new filtration system. This project is being supported through $1,005,000 in funding from the City of St. John’s and the Bannerman Park Foundation, along with federal government investment of $496,000. The Pool House is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2014.
• Playground – Upgraded state-of-the-art playground equipment will be installed for a new fully accessible playground. This is a $200,000 project supported in partnership by the Bannerman Park Foundation and the City of St. John’s.
• Splash Pad – The new accessible Rotary Splash Pad will be installed this summer thanks to $150,000 in financial support from the three St. John’s Rotary Clubs. The overall project will cost $600,000 and is supported by the Bannerman Park Foundation and the City of St. John’s.
• Skating Trail – Winter activities in the park will be enhanced through the installation of a new skating trail, which will be in the vicinity of the bandstand. This is a $1.5 million project supported by the Bannerman Park Foundation and the City of St. John’s.
• Pavilion – Construction should also begin this summer on the new Pavilion, which will provide Bannerman Park with a unique accessible outdoor performance space that has built in lighting and audio capabilities.

“The City is very pleased to finally begin implementing these key infrastructure projects at the heart of the park,” says Deputy Mayor Duff. “This is going to be a very busy construction season for Bannerman Park because we wanted to ensure work was completed concurrently on all of these projects to limit the disruption to one construction season only with the pool house completed by next season. I think once residents see the final product they will be more than pleased with all of the hard work and effort that has gone into this revitalization project.”

The softball field, Garden of Memories and other open green spaces throughout the park will not be impacted by construction this year. The Bannerman Park parking lot will be unavailable at times due to construction.

The City’s Recreation Division will provide additional lesson programming this summer at the Bowring Park outdoor pool and as always, residents can avail of swimming activities at the two indoor pools at the Wedgewood Park Recreation Centre and the H.G.R. Mews Community Centre. More information on the City’s aquatic programs can be found online at www.stjohns.ca.

“The pool holds great memories for so many residents who learned to swim in Bannerman Park or spent much of their youth enjoying this outdoor facility,” says Ward 2 Councillor Frank Galgay, chair of the Parks and Recreation Standing Committee. “At more than 60 years old, the pool house requires upgrading and once completed these changes will ensure that the Bannerman Park pool can be enjoyed by residents and visitors to our City for another 60 years.”

Although the playground will not be available this summer, there are a number of playgrounds throughout the City which can be utilized. One of the closest playgrounds is at Larch Park on Carpasian Road, which provides similar playground facilities to those currently available at Bannerman Park. The Elk’s Playground on Empire Avenue is another good option for residents looking for summer playground facilities in the vicinity.

Festivals and Events
Bannerman Park through the years has become synonymous with the Folk Arts Society’s annual Folk Festival, one of the most popular summer festivals in the City.

For 2013, the Folk Festival will change locations and take place at Bowring Park from Aug. 9 to 11. The City would like to thank the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society for its flexibility and will assist where possible in ensuring the temporary relocation is a positive experience for performers and participants.

"The Folk Arts Society is excited to bring this year's 37th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival to Bowring Park,” says John Drover, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society.  “We are delighted to once again partner with the City of St. John's and our many sponsors to bring this outstanding cultural event to the people of the province. We look forward to the revitalization of Bannerman Park; to returning to the park that has been our home for so long; and to staging our world class folk festival for many years to come."

The only impact to the Tely 10 Road Race is a reduction in the spectator area along Bannerman Road.  

Any other individuals/organizations considering holding an event in Bannerman Park this summer should ensure their special events application is submitted as soon as possible so it can be determined if the construction work will impact the ability to hold the event in the park.

Click here to view map of construction area.

For further information:
Jennifer Mills
Communications Officer
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 570-2037
Cell: (709) 690-7586
E-mail: jmills@stjohns.ca

Shannie Duff
Deputy Mayor
Vice-Chair, Bannerman Park Foundation
City of St. John’s
Phone: (709) 576-8583
E-mail: sduff@stjohns.ca

Frank Galgay
Ward 2 Councillor
Chair, Parks and Recreation Standing Committee
City of St. John’s
Phone: (709) 576-8577
E-mail: fgalgay@stjohns.ca

John Drover
President (NLFAS)
Folk Arts Society
Phone: (709) 570-8103
E-mail: jdrover@me.com
Website: www.nlfolk.com