A new green space in the heart of downtown Ottawa is set to officially open. The Centretown BIA will open the redeveloped Snider Park on Saturday. The plaza near the corner of Bank and Slater streets has been redesigned as “Ottawa’s first true urban park,” according to the BIA, that aims to blend nature, art, and community. “More than a park, the project represents a broader vision for what downtown public spaces can be: flexible, people-focused environments that support connection, creativity, and community well beyond the traditional workday,” the Centretown BIA says on its website. “These kinds of ‘third spaces’ – spaces outside of home and work where people gather naturally – are essential to healthy, connected communities. They support mental well-being, encourage social connection, create safer and more active streets, and help downtown neighbourhoods feel alive beyond office hours.” The space includes greenery and planters, public seating, free public WiFi, a stage for performances and community events, rotating public art installations, and a park café, operated by Ahh!!! Coffee. “This space will do exactly that. It will give residents, workers, and visitors a reason to linger, to connect, to collaborate, the kind of experiences that make a neighborhood feel alive,” said Centretown BIA board chair Michael Wallack in a news release. Executive director Sabrina Lemay says the goal is to allow people to connect and disconnect at the same time. “We want you to come here, be immersed in nature; it is a green space in the heart of downtown,” she said. “And we know part of the downtown action plan was that we need more green space in the heart of downtown. So we wanted to create that.” An official opening is slated for Saturday at 4 p.m. and will feature a live DJ, dancing, street art, and food vendors. Kyle Ratchford, owner of Ahh!!! Coffee, says his shop will be offering several unique options. “Quirky, silly drinks and high-quality coffee and matcha,” he said. Area resident Laura Wilcox says she’s excited to see the space open. “I think it is very welcoming and I think people are going to eat it up.” With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Peter Szperling
