A WINTER MOUNTAIN
Busy during the summer months, Edmonton's sports fields generally sit forlorn, flat and empty during the winter. Castle Downs is more fortunate than some due to existing facilities. Castle Downs Mountain (and it will be a mountain to kids under 10) will host cross country skiing and toboggan runs of varying difficulty. A beginners ski/snow board slope and an annual spring slush bowl in the swale around the mountain will excite young enthusiasts. We anticipate this mountain will become so popular that we have indicated the potential addition of a future warm up community space and concession, which would extend the wall and plateau at the southeast corner of the development.
ROCK CLIMBING WALL
A south facing rock-climbing wall reflects a booming new recreational pursuit, and provides an indestructible exterior wall for the washrooms and storage facilities. Adjustable handhelds can be moved on the vertical wall surface and adjusted for various levels of difficulty, or removed to control unsupervised use by children.
The exposed concrete wall surface would slope in and out for varying climbing difficulty much like a Richard Serra sculpture. Flat stones from the Jasper Mountains could be set into the exposed concrete for added sensual interest, budget allowing. The wall would be an excellent backdrop for sports presentations or musical events with spectators above and below.
ARENA SEATING
Watching a soccer game from the side fines is O.K. for the coach and players, but using the slope of the adjacent mountain as arena seating makes the game a more entertaining event. Whether you bring your picnic lunch or giant team support placards, you can now be part of the action even if you're not playing. You may have to Reserve ahead.
AN URBAN LANDMARK
If "there is no there, there," a criticism often levelled at our characterless suburban landscape, this mountain will provide a new reference point. During a recent visit to my old neighbourhood, I found the sledding mountain in my memory to be only 15' high. This mountain would be more than a personal one found in a childhood memory; it would become part of Castle Downs' identity. Some might even see the playing fields and the hill mimicking Alberta Flat plains and Rocky Mountains. Hill or mountain, it would be a relatively inexpensive and sustainable identifying community feature.
RECREATION FOR ALL AGES
This landscape feature would broaden healthy exercise opportunities for all ages and cultures. Whether it's biking traits to the plateau view from the roof of the storage rooms, or walking trails to picnic tables in the trees or snow sports from the peak (for those who don't skate), this facility will become a draw for many who would otherwise not visit the sports fields.
(From competitor's text)
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