Covid-Friendly Community Programming Brings Vibrancy and Joy to EV
Since summertime arrived in the city, we’ve been busy creatively engaging with Calgarians and ensuring they have safe ways to get outside, connect with the neighbourhood and interact with their community—all while observing ongoing cautions and restrictions around COVID-19.
One area we’ve been focusing on is St. Patrick’s Island, which was redeveloped in 2015 as a vibrant, inner-city recreational destination. The park was practically made for bringing people together, and is perfect for those quintessential summer activities like wading in the Seasonal Breach, lying back and soaking up some sunshine on The Rise, or having a family barbecue at Picnic Grove.
To help park users enjoy the island safely, we connected with PARK (Promoting Artists | Redefining Kulture) to bring an installation to The Rise. Artist duo NASARIMBA’s large-scale mural and sculpture will temporarily grace the 9-metre-high hill at the center of the park, starting July 30. Titled #STAYBRIGHT, this piece—presented by Brightside ATB—artistically designates areas where people can hang out and enjoy views of the city while maintaining physical distance from one another.
“We’re thrilled to launch #STAYBRIGHT at St. Patrick’s Island with Brightside ATB and CMLC,” says Kara Chomistek, PARK President. “This installation allows people to enjoy the outdoors and public art while engaging in safe, physically distanced activities. Through this collaboration, we’re able to continue supporting Calgary artists during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing safe spaces for our community.”
The bold, colourful installation at The Rise pairs perfectly with the island’s existing installation, #VIBRANCEYYC—another PARK collaboration. This artwork at Confluence Plaza, which opened July 20, comprises of circles painted on the ground that are appropriately spaced for people to safely engage in programs like fitness classes and special events. The circles are complemented by an overhead installation of swaying colour that adds visual and audio intrigue for exercisers.
Another great way to enjoy East Village this summer? (DE)TOURS are self-guided neighbourhood tours—to undertake on foot, bike or scooter—that are customized to individual interests and activities. Tour themes include public art, best Instagram spots, history, urban planning and more. Pick a favourite or try them all, and set out for your adventure!
Other programming in the neighbourhood this summer includes Calgary’s popular Segway tours with River Valley Adventure Co., who are popped up once again on RiverWalk in their bright green sea-can container. With appropriate heath measures in place, they are operating tours Thursdays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before or after your tour, enjoy a bite to eat along RiverWalk at one of the many picnic tables we’ve set up to allow for extra distancing while supporting EV businesses.
For more ideas on how to have safe outdoor fun in East Village this summer, visit the EV Summer Station to connect with our neighbourhood experts, the EAST team. Stop in to ask all your burning EV questions, or just drop by for a sanitizer pit stop to clean your hands before using the playground. Open at the Crossroads Sheds on Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (weather permitting).