KINSMEN PARK & AREA PROJECT DEVELOPMENT OPEN HOUSE (CY19-277)

The City of Saskatoon, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Transit, and Meewasin have teamed up to host an open house highlighting the projects happening around Kinsmen Park and area.  The open house is a come and go format at TCU Place (Gallery D – Main Floor) and everyone is welcome to attend.  It will be an opportunity to learn about proposed plans for the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan festival site, Meewasin trail upgrades, potential expansion concepts for the Civic Conservatory and a parking and transportation service study and bus service for the Kinsmen Park area.

Civic Conservatory – With the opening of the Remai Modern and the conversion of the Mendel Building into the Nutrien Wonderhub, the Civic Conservatory is temporarily closed.  During this time, the City is taking the opportunity to assess future uses in the Conservatory and how each could be incorporated into an expanded facility.  Additional public engagement will help ensure that the concept designs are reflective of community needs, priorities and interests for the facility.

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan – Is in the final stage of plans to build permanent structures on their riverbank location.  The new design features improved accessibility and Meewasin trail integration, an outdoor amphitheatre base with tiered seating for their large main stage tent, spectacular lighting design and other enhanced infrastructures for the festival and community events.

Meewasin – As part of ongoing work to improve the existing Meewasin Trail, this project is focused on upgrades to the secondary trails north of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan that provide access to the Prairie Lily dock and the adjacent riverfront areas.  Installed originally in the 1980s, this trail has deteriorated significantly and does not meet current standards.  The upgraded trail will also provide for improved pedestrian access to the Shakespeare site.

Saskatoon Transit – Attendees will be engaged on what they would like to see for bus service to the Kinsmen Park area.

Parking Strategy and Transportation Services Study – This study is part of the Kinsmen Park Area Master Plan that was approved by City Council in 2011.  The study aims to conduct a comprehensive parking, motor traffic and active transportation analysis for Kinsmen Park and area, which includes the Conservatory, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan and Nutrien WunderHub.

The parking strategy will identify the existing and projected supply and demand for parking and provide a plan to mitigate parking needs.  The transportation study will assess the movement of people driving motor vehicles, riding bicycles, and walking within and around the study area.