Downtown Edmonton is getting a celestial-themed park with domes and constellations
The city bought a parking lot at 103 Street and 100 Avenue to build a community gathering space with Indigenous-inspired designs. Construction begins spring 2027.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Downtown Edmonton is trading an unauthorized parking lot for a community gathering space inspired by the night sky. The City of Edmonton acquired the site at 103 Street and 100 Avenue and is designing a park based on two circumpolar constellations — Cassiopeia (also known as Elk Skin) and Ursa Minor (atima atchakosuk/The Dog Stars) — using Indigenous stories connected to those constellations.
The design features sparkling domes representing stars emerging from the ground plane, overhead catenary lighting, a central plaza, and wolf, coyote and fox sculptures at the entrances. At night, the celestial elements will light up and glow. The site sits on the south-facing slope next to two protected bike lanes and borders Freemasons Hall, a heritage building.
Design is expected to continue into early 2027, with construction beginning in spring 2027. The project is funded through the City of Edmonton capital budget. As the city said in a statement, "By purchasing the land, the City of Edmonton can both create new green space and eliminate an unauthorized surface parking lot."
The city did not state the total project cost. The final design will be published on edmonton.ca prior to construction, and the city plans to share information at upcoming downtown events.
What is the total project cost including design, construction, and celestial lighting installation?
How many downtown Edmonton parks have been built or renovated in the previous five years?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
At a glance
Where exactly is the new celestial park in downtown Edmonton?
The park will be located at 103 Street and 100 Avenue in downtown Edmonton, on a south-facing slope next to two protected bike lanes and bordering Freemasons Hall.
When will construction begin?
Construction will begin in spring 2027. Design work is expected to continue into early 2027.
What celestial and Indigenous elements will the park feature?
The park is inspired by two circumpolar constellations—Cassiopeia (Elk Skin) and Ursa Minor (atima atchakosuk/The Dog Stars)—with designs including sparkling domes representing stars, overhead catenary lighting, a central plaza, and wolf, coyote and fox sculptures at the entrances.
