klondike park

Client

Explore Edmonton

Project Type

Park Renewal, Low Impact Design

Status

completed

Hero Image

From forgotten fairgrounds to a year-round plaza for play: Reclaiming the past and redefining the future of Klondike Park

project overview

We collaborated with Explore Edmonton to inject life and purpose into an underutilised mature green space,transforming Klondike Park from an inaccessible seasonal attraction to a dynamic, year-round public space in the heart of the Edmonton Exhibition Lands.

Completed in 2024, the revitalized park features a sunken lawn that shifts from summer event grounds for the beloved K-Days festival into a winter skating rink, plus a vibrant market plaza shaded by a grid of elm trees and a legacy play zone with colorful, modern furnishings.

Reinvigorating the site’s historical features while supporting its growing programming needs, the new-and-improved Klondike Park enhances community access, increases event capacity and acts as a catalyst for nearby Borden Park’s future expansion.

problems solved

The former space was dormant for much of the year due to drainage problems, unclear entrances and lack of maintenance. The construction phase also revealed unforeseen challenges below the surface — outdated utility maps and remnants of an unrecorded, abandoned subdivision.

As a solution, we implemented a Low Impact Development (LID) system to capture and manage stormwater on-site, which is repurposed to nourish newly planted trees. With thoughtful teamwork, we navigated surprises with minimal delay — underscoring the value of early engagement in complex urban redevelopment projects.

The redesigned park prioritizes event-ready infrastructure, outdoor recreation, redefined access points and festival flow to encourage regional connectivity and gathering.

fun fact

The park was originally a silica sand quarry, once mined for glass production before being restored to its current natural state. It’s also a living testament to the grit of the Klondike Gold Rush, allowing visitors to explore historical exhibits and try their luck at panning for gold.