Pangishimo Park

Client

Zibi

Location

Chaudière Island, Ottawa

Completion

2021

Award

Ottawa Urban Design Award, Public Places and Civic Spaces - 2021 Award of Merit

The Algonquin Anishinaabe word for ‘sunset’ is ‘pangishimo,’ making the name Pangishimo Park perfect in reflecting this park’s location on the western point of Chaudière Island along the Ottawa River. Located in the innovative, sustainable, mixed-use urban community known as Zibi, Pangishimo Park was designed in conjunction with its sister park, Mokaham – or Sunrise Park – on the eastern point of the island.

The naturalized plantings and organic forms of the park’s landscape combined with the hard-edged steel frame boardwalk reflect the site’s extensive history, beginning with the First Nations’ connection to nature and its proximity to the revered Chaudière Falls, and more recently the Colonial industrial lumber mills and logging along the Ottawa River. Through numerous design workshops and engagements – in addition to a multi-year consultation with numerous stakeholders including Algonquin Anishinaabe representatives – the concept of creating a space that established a sense of home and nostalgia for Algonquin community members, balanced with the need to create an inclusive space for all community members, was imperative. As such, a focus on using locally sourced, sustainable, or salvaged materials where feasible, as well as a native plant material palette, led the design. The use of native plant material creates a landscape reminiscent of pre-development natural lands along the river and through Algonquin territory, with recognizable seasonal interest, colours, and smells.

With the park bordered by the Ottawa River on three sides, its concept strives to create a ‘living experience’ for the visitor, establishing a sense of discovery and intrigue as one moves through the site. The strong, angular boardwalk and lounge seating create a border reminiscent of industrial forms to frame the soft interior of the park without interrupting the transition to the water’s edge. The interior of the park introduces rolling topography, natural climbing structures and open, free play space for community interaction and events. The outer edge of the park, the boardwalk, is framed with a long straight lounge bench that establishes refuge from the active interior space of the park. All visitors can safely enjoy the park thanks to the addition of accessible routes and open views.