The City of Port Coquitlam is transforming a bare concrete foundation on Shaughnessy Street into a welcoming public space in time for the third annual PoCo Grand Prix sponsored by Dominion Lending Centres on July 13.

The Shaughnessy Pop-up Park – with seating, public art and a community stage area – is being created on an undeveloped lot in the 2600-block of Shaughnessy Street.

Property owner InsureLine is loaning the site to the city for a temporary public space this summer, featuring benches, picnic tables with umbrellas, planters, a 65-foot-long mural, and a stage that the community and businesses can book for free.

After the PoCo Grand Prix, the first official event in the space will be Summer on Shaughnessy on Friday, July 20, 12 to 2 p.m., featuring live music and official celebration of the public art piece.

Vancouver-area artist Laura Bifano designed the vibrant digital mural installed along the back wall of the space. Bold and bright, it was inspired by the high alpine landscape and the view of the Golden Ears Mountains from Port Coquitlam.

The Shaughnessy Pop-up Park will be a peaceful spot where those visiting or working downtown this summer can pause for a rest or enjoy a coffee or lunch from a nearby shop.

Public spaces like these not only improve the downtown’s walkability and livability, but tend to have economic spinoffs for area businesses because they help keep people in the area.

Community groups and organizations interested in booking the space for performances and events are encouraged to apply with a proposal. The activities must add to the public’s enjoyment of the space, and cannot be a marketing, sales or fundraising event. For more information or to request an application form, contact recreation@portcoquitlam.ca.

###

MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
T: 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
E: purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca