Hawrelak Park Set to Reopen After Extensive Rehabilitation

After a comprehensive three-year closure, William Hawrelak Park is poised to welcome visitors once again this winter.

 

The park, a cherished gem in Edmonton's river valley, underwent a substantial $135 million rehabilitation to modernize its aging infrastructure and enhance visitor experiences.

 

Initiated in March 2023, the project addressed both above-ground and subterranean elements.

 

Key upgrades included the replacement of deep utilities such as storm, sanitary, electrical, and irrigation systems.

 

Additionally, all five pavilions received revitalization, and the Heritage Amphitheatre underwent significant modernization.

 

Visitors can look forward to new paved trails, the reopening of the Groat Road Stairs, and upgraded roadways.

 

The park's lake has been cleaned, reshaped, and refilled, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and ecological health.

 

New amenities such as docks, bike racks, benches, washrooms, and improved lighting have been added to elevate the overall visitor experience.

 

In a commitment to environmental stewardship, the project also focused on tree preservation and introduced new plantings to maintain the park's lush landscape.

 

Throughout the rehabilitation, the project remained on schedule and within budget.

 

By fall 2025, significant progress had been made, including the completion of structural work on pavilions and the amphitheatre, interior enhancements like drywall installation and mechanical upgrades, as well as landscaping and final paving.

 

As of January 2026, the park is in its final preparation stages.

 

City officials are installing site furniture, signage, and ensuring staff readiness to safely reopen the park to the public.

 

The reopening is eagerly anticipated by the community, especially by organizers of major events.

 

The Silver Skate Festival, a highlight of Edmonton's winter calendar, is expected to be the first major event hosted in the revitalized park.

 

Other festivals, such as the Edmonton Heritage Festival, which temporarily relocated during the park's closure, are also planning their return to Hawrelak Park.

 

The park's reopening is not just a return to normalcy but a significant enhancement of one of Edmonton's most beloved public spaces.

 

With modernized facilities, improved accessibility, and a commitment to preserving its natural beauty, Hawrelak Park is set to serve the community for decades to come.

 

Residents and visitors alike can look forward to enjoying the park's new features and participating in the vibrant events that will once again call Hawrelak Park home.