A new public washroom and pickleball court are being built in Calgary’s East Village community by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC). The two projects will be located across from the playground, community gardens, and off-leash dog park at Crossroads, near the intersection of 7th Avenue and 6th Street Southeast. The CMLC chose design firm Public City from Winnipeg for the project due to its safe, efficient, imaginative, and architecturally unique design. The 3,000-square-foot facility will include four universally accessible stalls, a shared handwashing space, a hand-drying station, and a fenced-in pickleball court. Both the court and washrooms will be open seven days a week year-round and managed by the CMLC. Programming and security will also be handled by the corporation. The new washrooms will replace the current ones installed in 2012, which were closed in 2022 due to rising maintenance expenses and social challenges.
Claire LePan, CMLC’s vice-president of communications and partnerships, expressed excitement for the new concept that combines a public washroom with a sports amenity in East Village. With around 4,000 residents in East Village and 80,000 annual visitors, providing a safe, accessible, and inclusive public washroom has been a priority. The collaboration with Public City resulted in a functional facility and valuable community asset. The design of the new structure drew inspiration from the liveliness and inclusiveness of East Village, aiming to enhance the vibrant urban neighborhood. Peter Sampson, principal and founding director of Public City, highlighted the evolving role of public spaces as gathering places for engagement or relaxation. The facility is expected to be completed in the late fall, offering a modern and vibrant addition to East Village.
The announcement of the new public washroom and pickleball court in Calgary’s East Village brings excitement for the community. With the projects being located near existing amenities like the playground, community gardens, and off-leash dog park, they add vibrancy and convenience for residents and visitors alike. The selection of design firm Public City from Winnipeg was based on their innovative and unique design that prioritizes safety and efficiency. The facility will offer universally accessible stalls, a shared handwashing space, a hand-drying station, and a fenced-in pickleball court, catering to the diverse needs of the community.
The management of the new washroom and court by the CMLC, including programming and security, ensures that they will be well-maintained and accessible to all. The decision to replace the current washrooms, closed in 2022 due to maintenance expenses and social challenges, reflects the commitment to providing a functional and inclusive public facility in East Village. The collaboration between CMLC and Public City aims to create a valuable community asset that enhances the livability of East Village. The completion of the facility in the late fall will mark the introduction of a modern and engaging public space that adds to the vibrancy of the neighborhood.
The integration of a public washroom with a pickleball court in East Village showcases a unique and innovative approach to urban design. By combining essential amenities with recreational facilities, the project aims to create a multifunctional space that serves the diverse needs of the community. The emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and safety in the design and management of the facility reflects a commitment to creating a welcoming and vibrant environment in East Village. As public spaces continue to evolve into gathering places for engagement and relaxation, the new washroom and pickleball court offer a valuable addition to East Village’s urban landscape. The completion of the facility in the late fall will provide residents and visitors with a modern and functional space that enhances their experience in the community.
