In one day, a group of volunteers has turned a downtown eyesore into a temporary outdoor oasis.
They're calling it a pop-up park.
It's part of a city push to get rid of vacant lots that attract crime and grime.
About 200 community residents and Molson employees showed up at the corner of 14 Ave. and 1 St. S.W.
The fenced off lot was supposed to be the second tower of the union square condo project but when the project was delayed, the space deteriorated into a derelict and dangerous empty lot.
Molson's Red Leaf Project sponsored the makeover.
Councillor John Mar says Calgarians can expect more parks like this to pop up on vacant lots downtown.
“This is something that we are trying to do,” says Mar. “We are trying to create vibrancy on our streets, we are trying to do something positive and we are trying to work with business and private individuals to build something that will be truly marvelous.”
Victoria Park is working on a number of other locations for popup parks.
Project organizers are finding private landowners are not always receptive to the idea of beautifying their land. The next step is to work with private business owners to help this to happen.
