PORT COQUITLAM, BC, June 23, 2021. . . Visitors will be welcomed back this Friday to the bigger and better Shaughnessy Pop-up Park, kicking off a summer of outdoor fun in Port Coquitlam.

Construction fencing installed in early May will come down on June 25 to reveal an expanded and improved public gathering space in the 2600-block of Shaughnessy Street, with new surfacing, children’s play features, a corn hole and giant blocks-stacking game, more tables and seating, enhanced public art, seasonal flowers, sun sails for shade, a larger stage and built-in access to food trucks.

The official opening on Friday, June 25 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m., will include a ribbon cutting by Mayor and Council, live music, face painter, local food truck and a door prize draw. The reopening is sponsored in part by the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association.

The upgraded space will host a food truck and live entertainment every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. until July 31, with a possible expansion into August. A food truck will also be available during the week. Up to date information on the food truck and schedules can be viewed at portcoquitlam.ca/popup.

“If you’ve been watching through the fencing as we’ve overhauled the Shaughnessy Pop-up Park over the past weeks, the wait is almost over,” Mayor Brad West said. “This expanded space will be a great amenity for our community while helping to enhance our downtown and support businesses and the arts. It’s an innovative way to leverage an under-used space and add to the vibrancy of our downtown.”

The Shaughnessy Pop-up Park was created in 2018 as a temporary public space to fill an empty lot. The demolition of an adjacent building this year – and the continuing need for outdoor public space during the pandemic – prompted the City to improve the park in time for this summer with the cooperation of the property owners.

The City worked with artist Laura Bifano to expand her original vibrant digital mural depicting views from Port Coquitlam to stretch along the walls of the larger space. A part of the mural will slide away to provide access to a food truck parked along the back of the site. Street parking is available for additional food trucks.

The colourful, fun space will also feature custom seating and a new public art installation – three-feet-tall letters spelling “POCO” –created by Port Coquitlam’s Public Works staff.

“We expect our enhanced Shaughnessy Pop-up Park to be a popular spot for families and residents to stop for a break, a performance or for a bite from a food truck or local restaurant takeout while they are downtown,” West said. “The City thanks the landowners for their support in helping us add to the safe outdoor spaces in our community. We encourage people to check out this fun new spot, while continuing to follow health protocols such as avoiding large crowds.”

A Summer of Safe Outdoor Fun

Entertainers, groups and food trucks interested in participating in the Shaughnessy Pop-up Park may book space at portcoquitlam.ca/popup.

The new programming at the expanded pop-up park is part of the safe, modified Summer in the City festival returning this summer.

Summer in the City information for 2021 will be posted at portcoquitlam.ca/summer by June 26.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Acting Manager of Communications
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499 
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca