Hidden treasures
Point Pleasant Park, a pleasant place that unveiled it potential treaures after the hurricane Juan hit. Now that most of the forest is gone the park's open surrounding is exposed to the cold ocean wind. The park looks like the landscape it once used to be: bare and naked, exposed to the elements and in a sense much more like the former military outpost. Compared to the other city-park's in Halifax this park is placed where people feel free and have the feeling to be out of the city. In middle of nature near to the ocean.
What will be the future of the Park? What are the strengths of the place? We are not going to reforest the park. Hurricanes will strike again and the thin layer of soil is so poor that trees will have problems with growign. In the rough bare surroundings the more sheltered valleys have special qualities. In the past the forest gave shelter. Now only the valleys remain as potential shelters. These sheltered places
will be exploted as hidden gardens in the middle of a rough and exposed sea park. Just like the fortifications the gardens are based on the morphology of the place. The fortifications form the balconies of the park and the gardens are the enclosed rooms.
We are going to reveal the treasures of Point Pleasant, showing how a place that has changed rapidly can turn into a place of enchantment that will leave a lasting impression on its visitors.
A new layer, shaped by valleys and niches in the local topography, dramatizing it, will be revealed. It gives the park new significance and turns it into a place of wonder. A spider web of trails will allow visitors to explore this new layer of sheltered treasures. Some of them will be found directly and others will be discovered by surprise.
At first sight this treasure trove goes completely unnoticed. The park appears rough, open and windswept. Between the remaining groves of trees there are beautiful and dramatic views on the surroundings. A great place for nice hikes and active sports such as mountainbiking and crosscountry skiing.
Upon closer examination, perhaps stepping off the trails, the visitor may experience a different world. A hidden and sheltered environment, where one can escape the roughness of the surroundings and become enchanted. This is where Point Pleasant exposes its undiscovered treasures. A treasure trove of experiences, ready to appeal a wide range of sense, sometimes completely isoldated from it surroundings, sometimes in dramatic contrast with city, harbour and ocean-view. This is where the new life of Point Pleasant slowly but steadily is unfolding to its many visitors. (Kuiper Compagnons)
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