The redesign of this significant urban green space as a means to initiate positive social change is commendable. The measurable reduction in crime and undesirable activity, and the increased play and use of the park for community events following the project's construction is a great example of how landscape architecture can play an important role in shaping our social and cultural environments and bringing a space back to life. This project can be considered a typology for designing with a high level of social awareness.
Located in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Oppenheimer Park has a storied past and has served numerous roles in the community throughout its 112 year history. This park has always been a place of personal and cultural expression - a place where marginalized communities looking to express their culture have found common ground to share with friends and neighbours. In recent years, the facilities in Oppenheimer Park have fallen into disrepair, which had contributed to the social challenges of the park and surrounding neighbourhood. The challenge for the park redesign was to create a public place that reflects the history, social significance and recreational needs that are relevant to this underserved community.
