WATERLOO PARK RELAUNCH
THE JEWEL OF THE CITY
Parks are more than just green patches in urban landscapes, they are vital community hubs where people gather, connect with nature, and forge lasting memories. While their design, purpose, and use have evolved over the decades, the nostalgia they evoke links generations.
One such park is Waterloo Park, the oldest in the city of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Recently, it underwent an $11M revitalization, transforming it into a city landmark. A major section of the park, Silver Lake, was closed in 2019 for improvements and reopened in July of 2023 with a new lakeside focal point, pathways, fountains, and beaches, all while preserving the park’s rich history.
The City of Waterloo worked on this project with Landscape Architect – Seferian Design Group (SDG), Water Feature Specialist – Crystal Fountains, Water Feature Contractor – Soucy Aquatik, and Engineering Consultant – WalterFedy. The goal was to transform the park into an all-season attraction with integrated technology, culture, and nature that would instill a sense of pride in people who live, work, and visit Waterloo.
Before
After
EVOLUTION OF THE SPACE
EVOLUTION OF THE SPACE
DESIGN CONCEPT TO REALITY
What once began as a simple recreational area with basic amenities has flourished into a diverse destination. Waterloo Park’s revitalization introduced a new lakeside focal point featuring winding pathways, improved navigation and walkways, soft lighting, scenic benches, event venues, water features, and artistic installations, among other attractions.
Brad Smith, Principal Landscape Architect at SDG, played a pivotal role in shaping the park’s vision. Inspired by the surrounding natural elements, Brad envisioned water as the central motif, symbolizing continuity and rejuvenation. Guided by this concept, the park’s redesign prioritized the flow of water, creating a cohesive and harmonious environment.
Three fountains and a splash pad are anchoring the park’s redesign focus using water.Soucy Aquatik emphasized the significance of water features in the overall design, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to evoke tranquillity and joy. From cascading waterfalls to interactive splash pads, each element is meticulously crafted to foster a dynamic and immersive experience.
“The project embodies a holistic commitment to environmental leadership and sustainability, seamlessly intertwining ecological stewardship with community enrichment. The redesigned spaces have become areas of play, fun, and interaction with the water in many ways- sitting on the rock ledge, cooling off in the mist, the beach, dipping your toes in the splash plaza- while the ecological processes are happening all around you.”
Brad Smith
Senior Landscape Architect
Seferian Design Group
THE WATER FEATURES
AN OASIS FOR ALL
The four main water features cater to a diverse audience and ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment. RGBW and RGBACL lights were used for all the water features and can be tuned to colours representing special occasions, such as St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Canada Day, or they can be made cohesive throughout the water features to create a soothing ambiance.
Welcoming the visitors
At the top of the stairs, a circular fountain adorned with large metal letters spelling out “Waterloo Park” invites visitors to pause and take in the surroundings.
Creating a sense of tranquillity
As they venture further, a cascading water fountain adorned with rocks and pebbles beckons all to enter the park. Its tranquil flow invites interaction and contemplation.
Inviting interaction and play
The interactive splash pad, perfect for children and pets, adds an element of fun and excitement. It contains a foot sensor, which, when engaged, activates a choreographed water and light show, which is immensely popular among the park’s younger patrons.
Providing a cooling effect
At the edge of the shoreline, a circular sculptural fountain surrounded by seating and misting trees, utilizing Kool Fog nozzles at its center, provides a refreshing experience, particularly in the hot summer months. The city’s public art group wanted an art installation within the park to engage patrons. The fog tree structure is a visual focal point integrated into the water feature. As the light from the circular fountain emits and reflects off the tree, the structure can be recognized from anywhere along the shoreline or even from a bird’s eye view.
OUR INVOLVEMENT
COLLABORATION IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO
As the Water Feature Manufacturer, we worked with Soucy Aquatik and Seferian Design Group to bring the City of Waterloo’s vision to life. Through collaborative efforts, we helped realize the client’s goal of revitalizing Waterloo Park into a vibrant community space. Together, we strived to create joy among patrons using water and light.
TOWARDS THE FUTURE
Waterloo Park is a beacon of community synergy. Jessica Kellerman, Senior Project Engineer, characterizes the park’s evolution as a “re-envisioning” aimed at elevating it into a destination for all. It now stands as a sanctuary where children thrive, families forge connections, and individuals of all ages discover solace amidst nature.
This revitalization underscores our commitment to preserving and enriching public spaces. By seamlessly blending homage to the past with forward-looking innovation, we cultivate environments that enhance the lives of all. Waterloo Park transcends mere greenery; it embodies the spirit of community, heritage, and the timeless affinity between humanity and the natural world.
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