Destination John Galt Park

This is where it all began. John Galt Park; a place that represents
the man who felled a tree back in 1827 signifying the founding of
Guelph. A splash of colour and a dash of fun at this unique spot
along the river can make this piece of Guelphs history relevant
again. Destination John Galt Park is a vibrant community space to
connect with others, the citys history, and nature as a part of daily
life in Downtown Guelph. A place where everyone wants to go.
AXONOMETRIC DRAWING OF LAWN AREA WITH STAGE AND CHILDRENS PLAY AREA
SCALE: 1:120

CONTEXT MAPS

KEY PRINCIPLES
SOUTH SIDE OF THE TRACKS
The main entrance at the intersection is enhanced to distinguish the park as an attractive anchor
along the gateway to downtown. As you enter the park, the journey begins on the vivid orange
path. The path takes you through a quiet space enclosed with trees, to a wave of umbrella tables
for indulging in a quick bite to eat from the food trucks, and then to an open green space complete
with a kids play area. This spot includes a hill for climbing surrounded by black pavement for
chalk creations next to the lawn scattered with picnic tables and a moveable stage to hold events,
concerts, and the like. Incorporating a variety of outdoor uses into this space a more dynamic,
enjoyable park for all.

IMPORTANT FEATURES DIAGRAM

NORTH SIDE OF THE TRACKS

Improving the visual and physical public access to the river activates this space as an exciting
focal point in the downtown. A deck on the riverbank creates a new experience on the waterfront.
Summertime calls for passive relaxation and skating on the river is accessible from this deck in the
winter.
The park becomes a destination point along the existing Downtown Trail and users are provided
with a small gathering area with benches and a drinking fountain.

VIEW FROM WALKWAY OF ELEMENTS NORTH AND SOUTH OF THE RAILROAD

ELEVATION OF FOOD TRUCK PLAZA AND PLAY AREA SCALE 1:150

SCALE 1:300

MASTER PLAN
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SITE

MAJOR SITE DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SITE IN ITS URBAN CONTEXT

The site currently exists as a linear space bordered by two major streets, the
Speed River and the River Run Centre. The crossing of Woolwich St and Macdonnell St at the south-east corner of the surrounding site is a busy intersection used as a main access and exit
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street.
The north side is a much quieter part of the site due to its location in the bend of the river. Connection to the river is minimal as there is naturalized brush along the border creating a
barrier and a 2-3m drop in elevation exists from the ground level to the river level.
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a slow speed. The Downtown Trail intersects at the north end and is parallel to the railroad. These two parts of the site, though they create a division, cannot be changed and must continue
to exist on site.
Following the walkway within the site, there are two sculptural pieces, one being a public art piece of a canoe and the other is a faade from the old Speed Skating Rink once located on
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Topography is another issue of this site. A high point exists at the south-west corner and it slopes downwards towards the river in a gently rolling fashion. The grade change is most
prominent at the shortest distance, from the south side of the site to the north.

VIEW OF MAIN ENTRY FROM THE INTERSECTION

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ELEVATION OF PLAY AREA WITH FOOD TRUCK PLAZA IN BACKGROUND SCALE 1:50

The site is quite open in terms of sun exposure. However, the development of the new condominium building across the street creates a shadow on the site that is most prominent mid-day in
the centre of the space.
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