Sien Lok Park is an urban park located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It sits between the Chinatown neighbourhood to the south, and the Bow River to the north. The park was established in 1982 by the Sien Lok Society of Calgary.[1][2] The park features several sculptures and seating areas, as well as a playground. The Bow River pathway runs along the north side of the park.
| Sien Lok Park | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Downtown Calgary seen from Sien Lok Park | |
 | |
| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Calgary, Alberta |
| Coordinates | 51°03′09″N 114°03′51″W / 51.05250°N 114.06417°W |
| Area | 5.8 acres (0.023 km2) |
| Created | 1982 |
| Operated by | City of Calgary |
History edit
In the late 1970s, the City of Calgary created a rehabilitation plan for the Chinatown neighbourhood with the intention of retaining and further developing it as a residential community. The site of Sien Lok Park, originally called Chinatown Park, was previously occupied by a bus garage. The park officially opened in 1982.[3]
In the years since, the park has undergone several changes, including the installation of several monuments and linking it to the Bow River pathway.
Features edit
Sien Lok Park is bisected by Riverfront Avenue. The south side of the park includes a playground and a concrete Tai chi area. The north side of the park features winding pathways, benches, and several monuments and sculptures.[2]
The sculpture In Search of Gold Mountain by Chu Honsun was installed in 2000. The large conical sculpture depicts Chinese railworkers alongside Chinese iconography.[4] The Wall of Names monument is located nearby, and is dedicated to the history of Chinese immigration in Canada. The monument lists the names of those who arrived in Canada between 1886 and 1947, known as the "Exclusion Era" when Chinese immigrants were subject to additional race-based taxes and limited opportunities.[5]
References edit
- ^ "Our Project". Sien Lok Society of Calgary. Sien Lok Society of Calgary. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ a b "Sien Lok Park". Calgary Parks. City of Calgary. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ "The Third Chinatown". Calgary Chinatowns. Simon Fraser University. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ Ylitalo, Katherine. "Work of Art: In Search of Gold Mountain by Chu Honsun". Avenue Magazine Calgary. Avenue Magazine Calgary. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ "Wall of Names". Sien Lok Society of Calgary. Sien Lok Society of Calgary. Retrieved 27 September 2023.