More colour, bench swings and even a slide are being proposed as part of an effort to liven up the plaza outside Coquitlam city hall.
Staff said they plan to make the grey, stodgy Buchanan Square a more vibrant place that residents will want to spend time in rather than just pass through.
"[The proposal] showcases Coquitlam's inclusive and social nature," said Andre Isakov, the city's park planning and design manager, later adding: "The intent is to create a space that would be welcoming to everybody."
A portion of the 0.7-acre square, located between city hall and the Coquitlam RCMP detachment, doubles as the roof for a parkade below. Because the waterproofing membrane on the structure is at the end of its lifespan and has begun to crack and leak, the city intends to renovate, creating an opportune time to upgrade the public space above.
A city staff report noted that a base design replacement would cost $3.9 million. But for an additional $400,000, the city can redesign the public space and add more amenities.
Plans presented to council this week included renderings of a slide running parallel to the stairs starting at the top of the upper plaza and landing in front of Burlington Drive. The proposal also includes swing benches, table games and a seasonal shade structure.
The report noted that a public consultation process found City Centre residents and staff in the adjacent buildings wanted to see more seating and social spaces in the plaza.
But not everyone at the council table was in favour of seeing playground amenities — particularly the slide — outside of city hall.
"I want it to be engaging," said Coun. Craig Hodge, "not over the top."
Councillors Dennis Marsden and Brent Asmundson concurred, noting that they were caught off guard by some of the proposals by staff, saying a slide goes too far.
"It wasn't quite what I was expecting," Marsden said.
But Isakov said the slide would get people's attention and encourage more residents to utilize the plaza in a neighbourhood where public space is at a premium.
"This slide is not for everybody and not everybody may use it," he said, "but people will talk about it."
Despite the concerns of the three councillors, a majority at the table supported going forward with the proposal, allowing staff to come back with a more detailed design.
The final plans for the site will go to council in the spring before tendering. If final approvals are granted, staff anticipate construction in summer 2020 and completion next fall.
