Edmonton 
Visitors will soon be able to return to one of Edmonton’s best-known green spaces.
Credit: enlightenedpark/Flickr/ CC BY 2.0
The City says William Hawrelak Park will reopen to the public on March 13, marking the near completion of a major rehabilitation project that has been underway since 2023.
The park’s reopening signals the final stretch of a multi-year effort focused on rebuilding aging infrastructure while reshaping how people move through and use the space. Work has included upgrades to utilities, transportation routes, and facilities, alongside changes aimed at improving accessibility and strengthening connections to the River Valley.
Starting March 13, most areas of the park will be open for casual use. Visitors will be able to walk, bike, snowshoe, and gather for winter picnics.
New and upgraded features include:
- A new playground designed to support inclusive play for children of different ages and abilities.
- A lakefront promenade offering improved pedestrian access and views along the water’s edge.
- A modernized pavilion updated to better support gatherings and seasonal use.
- Upgraded washroom facilities designed for improved accessibility and year-round functionality.
- Fully paved perimeter paths and multi-use trails allowing safer walking, biking, and wheeled mobility for all users.
- Enhanced connections to the River Valley, improving how visitors move between the park and surrounding trail networks.
- Improved open green spaces intended to support informal recreation, picnicking, and community use.
City officials note that while the park will be accessible, some localized construction will still be visible. Crews will continue addressing minor deficiencies, completing commissioning work, and handling warranty-related items. Portions of the site will remain fenced off, and landscaping work will continue through the spring.
A formal celebration to mark the project’s completion is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at the park, located at 9330 Groat Road NW. The event is expected to showcase the park’s new amenities once all remaining construction is complete and full services are available.
Festivals, events, and picnic bookings are set to resume at William Hawrelak Park beginning June 1, restoring its role as a major venue for seasonal programming.
The City describes the rehabilitation as part of a broader commitment to creating connected public spaces that support recreation, community gatherings, and well-being throughout the year. Until the grand reopening, trail access around the park will continue, though entry from within the park grounds will remain limited until March 13.
