Draft design concepts (Phase 2)

During Phase 1 engagement in July and August 2022, we asked participants how they use Rocky Point and Old Orchard parks today, and what they want the parks to be like in the future. We used that feedback to develop draft design concepts and proposed actions.

In Phase 2, we’re asking for feedback on the draft design concepts: three for Rocky Point Park, and one for Old Orchard Park. We’re also asking participants to share their thoughts on how we should prioritize potential improvements, as we won’t be able to achieve everything. Your input will inform the refinement of draft master plans which will be presented to Council for their consideration in late 2023 or early 2024.

The draft design concepts demonstrate how potential park improvements could be laid out. The final design concept for each park that will be incorporated into its master plan may include some ideas from a particular draft concept but not all of them. For this reason, we are asking for your feedback on specific ideas rather than on each draft design concept as a whole.

Old Orchard Park draft design concept

The concept plan for Old Orchard Park is a bold move to improve select key amenities in the park, integrated sensitively into a steep sloped environment, while balancing the rich ecological integrity and family feel of the park. The concept plan showcases how all actions (i.e. park improvements) could be achieved.

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Rocky Point Park draft design concepts

Please note: The Rocky Point Park Master Plan project is focused on the City-owned land contained within the park’s current boundaries.

Concept 1 – The Lookout

The “Lookout” concept is organized around directing people and views towards the waterside, with tree-lined linear paths stretching across the length of the park and overlooks at the water’s edge. The concept takes a softer design approach, with a more immersive and relaxed garden experience at the waterfront and the warmer materials of a boardwalk to connect dining and play experiences at the entrance to the park.

The unique features of this concept include:

a generous new dining/picnicking hub at the entrance, which looks out over the park and is well integrated with the play area – in place of the existing pool;
reconfiguration of the open green space for a better relationship with the stage and improved circulation patterns and experience along parking lots – requires removal of a few parking spaces on the south end;
retainment of the stage and primary access towards it, with minor improvements to path width and water pooling;
an expanded playground area and wading cove, as well as an expanded youth zone – the two are in their own dedicated spaces;
a new garden plaza space at the water’s edge, with seating and a water spray feature – it borrows a portion of the parking area to create a better relationship with the pier entrance and a greener edge condition; and
picnic shelter space is increased and placed in a new dedicated location near the western entrance to the park.

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Concept 2 – The Round

The “Round” concept creates a larger space at the central green and a perched sandy area at the waterfront, using soft curving lines and evoking a relaxed natural beach atmosphere. (A perched beach is a naturally occurring or simulated beach that sits above the normal level of the shoreline. In this case, there would be no access to the shoreline below as the mudflats in the Port Moody Arm of Burrard Inlet are not safe to walk on and they are home to a variety of marine life that is sensitive to disturbance.)

Energy is focused inward to the park, where people can gather around a number of integrated uses: events, dining, water play, playground, gardens, and picnics. The waterfront conversely offers a more intimate relationship with nature – with pathways hovering over the water amidst an ecologically rich shoreline.

The unique features of this concept include:

a more conservative approach to food and dining at the entrance to the park, with the ice cream parlour and additional food building – integrated in the area is a small dining deck and moveable tables and chairs;
a new water play experience with wading pool and spray plaza integrated with the open lawn and garden plaza (the new experience would be in place of the existing pool);
an enlarged open green space to better accommodate events and circulation (this would require removal of a few parking spaces on the south end and a shift in picnic shelter location) – and an enhanced performance/events experience with the creation of a new stage with a backdrop of the inlet;
the playground remains of similar size, with some improvements for accessibility and age gaps;
an expanded youth zone, with an improved relationship to the playground area;
a new open plaza space at the water’s edge, with unimpeded views and feature seating; and
an integrated perched beach experience nestled among pollinator gardens.

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Concept 3 – The Walk

The “Walk” concept dedicates a generous area for activity at the water’s edge, while retaining the pool use in the park with an upgraded facility. A large boardwalk and picnic grove offer dining, lounging, and gathering alongside water play, extending east from the pier. The concept has long straight pathways parallel to the water, which emphasize views and define a series of open spaces versus a single larger green.

The unique features of this concept include:

a new feature outdoor pool and integrated community building at the entrance of the park, alongside the existing ice cream shop (Pajos also remains in its current location) – and smaller defined green lawn areas to accommodate various event sizes;
an upgraded splash pad in the same location as the existing spray park;
an enhanced performance/events experience with the creation of a new stage with a backdrop of the inlet;
an expanded and integrated kids play and youth zone in one;
a new lively waterfront experience, with a large open deck for lounging and enjoying views out to the water, and transitioning to a shaded picnic area and integrated water play feature; and
additional picnic shelters further east in the park (the existing shelter on the west remains in place).

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