Funding announcements for Pickering’s Esplanade Park Phase Two happening Sunday

The secret will be out Sunday on Phase Two of the enhancements planned for Pickering’s Esplanade Park.

Local officials and funding partners will be on hand at the downtown park Sunday at 2 p.m. for a pair of funding announcement about the second phase of the upgrades.

One of the funding announcements is hush-hush and embargoed until Sunday but what is known is that Pickering will receive funds for at least one more piece of public art, as well as a new pathway and additional landscaping and seating upgrades.

One of two ‘Pollinator’ sculptures by Ron Baird in Esplanade Park

In 2018, the City received provincial support to complete Phase One enhancements to Esplanade Park through the Main Street Fund. This included the installation of several pieces of permanent public art, including four sculptures by artist Geordie Lishman titled ‘Spirit of Pickering,’ and two sculptures by artist Ron Baird titled ‘Pollinators.’

Phase One upgrades (landscaping and seating) were also completed in 2020. Sunday’s funding announcement will showcase what’s planned for the future of Esplanade Park as part of the City’s Phase Two upgrades.

In the spring Pickering invited artists to create a permanent outdoor public artwork for Esplanade Park. A public art jury comprised of city staff, practicing arts professionals, and community members was established for this two-stage competition.