Picardie Park

Discipline : Landscape & Territories

Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture - Public Space : Bronze certification

The City of Candiac is implementing innovative environmental and social policies through the redevelopment of Picardie Park, an ambitious project that promotes well-being, sustainability, and connection to nature. Designed as a playful and minimalist green space, this park aims to address contemporary environmental challenges while offering residents a place to rejuvenate. By integrating sustainable and inclusive solutions, the park is distinguished by its nature-centered approach and respect for the environment, while creating a natural refuge in the heart of a developed area.

A natural and playful haven in an enclosed urban area

Located in an area cut off from the rest of the city by large roadways, Picardie Park fulfills a crucial need for greenery and tranquility. By creating a true "green bubble" in the heart of this urban environment, the City of Candiac provides residents with a relaxation space away from noise and pollution, where they can reconnect with nature. With its organic shapes, gentle mounds, and abundant vegetation, the atmosphere is calming and inviting. In a few years, the twenty or so trees planted will create a vegetal refuge with a reassuring atmosphere, as well as a natural barrier against urban nuisances.

While being a relaxing space, the park retains a playful character with interactive elements integrated into the design, such as bird footprint patterns, bright colors, and play structures suitable for children. This park is the only one in this neighborhood, which is predominantly composed of multi-family residential buildings, making it a valuable place for nearby residents seeking relaxation and recreational space.

A design inspired by nature

The park is also distinguished by its organic aesthetic, inspired by the veins of a leaf. This motif has been integrated into the design of the paths and furniture to create visual continuity and harmony between the park's different elements. The circulation path follows these natural lines and connects activity areas. This aesthetic choice aims to instill a sense of connection with nature by incorporating forms that evoke the plant and organic world.

An accessible and inclusive space

From a perspective of social justice and inclusion, Picardie Park has been designed to be accessible to all. By applying the principles of universal accessibility, each play and relaxation area is arranged to facilitate movement for people with reduced mobility. Appropriate materials and flat surfaces allow every visitor to fully enjoy the park, regardless of their mobility level. For example, the play areas are designed to accommodate children in wheelchairs, allowing them to share moments of play and bonding with their friends. Thus, the City of Candiac strives to create a space where every citizen, regardless of their physical condition, can feel integrated and valued.

Ecological and sustainable solutions

To address climate challenges, Picardie Park integrates innovative and sustainable solutions. Invisible but effective, various strategies reduce the water discharges into municipal networks. Thus, the recycled rubber surface and gravel path are porous, eliminating the need for a drain. The water from the splash pads is directed into an infiltration ditch. Rigid surfaces have been reduced to a minimum in favor of vegetated areas, reducing the risk of flooding while promoting groundwater recharge. The choice of plantings has also been carefully thought out to adapt to local conditions and climate change, including trees resistant to high temperatures and grass requiring little watering. In a few years, the canopy will offer plenty of shade while cooling the immediate environment. Furthermore, vegetable gardening is made accessible to residents through the provision of self-service bins, including planting soil and a watering source.

An invitation to active mobility

The park's design encourages visitors to favor active mobility, promoting walking and cycling in a safe and pleasant environment. The park path is accessible to cyclists and is bordered by a rest area featuring a repair station and bike racks. This initiative is part of the City of Candiac's desire to promote sustainable transport modes, strengthening the connections between the park and the region's cycling network.

The project in images