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The Halifax Canada Games Skating Oval was almost a complete success. It drew enthusiastic crowds from all over HRM and Canada, performed well for its intended use during the Canada Games and generally produced a level of public excitement, discourse and community engagement that we haven't seen here in some time. But its future is in question. How can this be? It's clear from HRM staff reports that the upcoming meetings at the end of this month to study the future of the Oval have been planned all along, but is there a long-term vision?
For all of the positive aspects of the Oval, the suitability of its current location for a long-term facility is questionable. Are there other locations that may better suit the public interest? As we move forward, it is critical to identify the potential opportunity sites within HRM - the Peninsula in particular - which would not only support a public winter skating venue and provide the necessary amenities for the users, but would also benefit from its presence.
For all of the positive aspects of the Oval, the suitability of its current location for a long-term facility is questionable. Are there other locations that may better suit the public interest? As we move forward, it is critical to identify the potential opportunity sites within HRM - the Peninsula in particular - which would not only support a public winter skating venue and provide the necessary amenities for the users, but would also benefit from its presence.
As architects and designers we strive daily to improve our cities and communities through great design - by studying important historical precedents, carefully analyzing community needs and imagining new possibilities. Here at our office, we held a quick charrette, or design session, to examine the Oval issue. We studied other successful outdoor skating rinks in a variety of urban contexts and configurations and concluded that the Halifax Commons is not the right location for the Oval.
There are a number of suitable locations on the Peninsula, and one in particular we feel has merit is the Wanderer's Grounds, which we have portrayed in the conceptual rendering shown above.
While we are by no means promoting this site as the only solution, we are advocating a process through which design professionals and community representatives can lend their skills and expertise to assist HRM in clarifying a collective vision.
While we are by no means promoting this site as the only solution, we are advocating a process through which design professionals and community representatives can lend their skills and expertise to assist HRM in clarifying a collective vision.
The Oval truly can become a reality again, but only with a clear vision, consistent leadership and great design. Please encourage your local politicians to make a stand for the People's Oval.
3 comments:
Greetings,
You have shown your rendering of the Oval at the Wanderers Grounds but failed to show how you can fit the Oval into the Wanderers field without impacting the Wanderers Lawn Bowling Green facilities, the Bengal Lancers facility and the City Field lands. I suspect had you done the exercise, you would have found that it would not fit.
The rendering is indeed a beautiful vision. Anonymous makes good points. These other activities need to be accommodated here as well. If the Oval absolutely has to be a regulation size speed skating surface, then it probably won't fit. But does it need to be that? How many national or international competitions would realistically be held in the outdoors? And if they would is there also enough room for spectators? I would be very interested in your further examination of this site, as it has great potential.
DSRA is to be commended for the unsolicited and unpaid thoughtful comment with respect to the permanent location for the Oval. I am one who also does not believe that any part of the Common is the best permanent location for this facility. I became excited when reading Eric Stotts letter-to-the editor in which he noted that the Wanderers Grnds has merit. I agree. I also think that it may not be a requirement that the shape be an "oval"! I believe that a facility can be built in this location without impinging on any existing facility. Let's insist on an "oval" location review. I believe we can do much better.
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