A joint Capital Improvement Plan-funded project between Parks and Urban Revitalization will aim to provide a safer and more welcoming design to the southwest entrance of downtown Lethbridge’s primary park.
The Galt Gardens Southwest Corner Landscaping Project will improve the hardscaping, incorporate two new entrances to the pergola, improve existing lighting and add in additional lighting.
Fencing will be going up Wednesday and the area will be closed off to pedestrians. The bulk of the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of October, weather permitting, with some work to be finished in spring next year.
The idea for this project began with a collaboration between the University of Lethbridge and the City of Lethbridge. During the fall 2020 semester, four students completed a research project on short- and medium-term initiatives to make Galt Gardens more inclusive. The idea was to improve the landscape areas, through a focus on Indigenous representation, surrounding the pergola in a manner that enhances vibrance and safety. “Our Parks and Urban Revitalization teams worked closely with Indigenous consultant Marjie Crop Eared Wolf on elements of the design, art and language to be included,” notes the City.
Concurrent to this project, the City’s Parks teams had already begun some tree canopy and shrub clean up work in the area, with a focus on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.
“Bringing more people and positive activity to Galt Gardens will help reduce the undesirable behaviour,” the City adds.
The construction cost for the landscaping project is $437,000.
