The Peace Plaza
The Peace Plaza is the defining element for the park and captures the very essence of its renewal. The Peace Plaza is situated on axis with Young Avenue and is located atop the second highest point in the park. The plaza welcomes visitors to the park and provides a place for celebration, gathering, reflection and education. The Peace Plaza is an inspirational space and will create a unique and memorable experience.
Many opportunities exist in the design of the plaza to express the significance of the renewal of Point Pleasant Park. Design opportunities we envision include the integration of an egg-shaped outdoor dome sculpted to symbolize the rebirth of the park. This pavilion is created by two cantilevered arms that rise from the ground to embrace a translucent roof. The roof is adorned with etched images of international peace- keeping efforts. An observation beacon emerges through the “cracked” roof to provide visitors with elevated panoramic views of the Halifax landscape. A continuous spiraling ramp takes people to the top of the beacon. The ramp is supported by three large outer pillars symbolic of the three founding nations of Canada – England, France, and First Nations. At the center of the beacon, an illuminated dove medallion casts a glow through the center of the ramp. The plaza space beneath the roof is sunken to create a nest-like sense of protection.
Ecosystems
Lentic (Lake / Pond) Ecosystem
Provides an appealing urbanside view into the waters of the park by expanding the existing lake/pond to the edge of Point Pleasant Drive. An undulating shoreline with various open-water and near shore habitats highlighting the diverse plant and animal life of the hydrosere.
Wetland (Bog / Swamp) Ecosystem
Due to its global loss, there is a need to cherish this type of relatively productive environment. Depending upon its formation process, enhance the flat bog, shrub swamp and/or wooded swamp habitat and allow people a front row seat of the happenings along a winding boardwalk system.
Softwood Forest Ecosystem
Regenerate the near climax or climax forest of Nova Scotia with its Spruce, Hemlock, and Pine tree associations so that people may walk along the moss-covered ground in a sea of coniferous scents under a canopy of green. Eventually this forest will help to screen the container pier and helipad operations adjacent to the park.
Hardwood Forest Ecosystem
Begin to set-up various successional stages of the Sugar Maple, Yellow Birch, and Beech forest. This is the northeastern limit of a long-lived forest association that supports a diverse range of plants and animals on moderately deep and generally nutrient rich soils with ample moisture and rotting logs strewn across the landscape – a perfect place to walk and soak in the peaceful setting.
Coastal (Mixedwood) Forest Ecosystem
Work with the existing patch of forest to launch a mixed wood forest association of Spruce (White & Black), Fir, Pine, Red Maple, White Birch and Aspen trees with moss and herbaceous plant associations typical of a rocky and exposed coastline
Nature Reserve - Regeneration Ecosystem
Establish a nature reserve under the Nature Reserves Protection Act that provides an example of a natural disturbance. This offers an opportunity for historical documentation of a weather event and for scientific research and education on the natural recovery of ecosystems.
Rock Barrens Ecosystem
This rocky heathland with its dwarf shrub and lichen vegetation offers a niche for the rare, few plants and animals that can withstand its impoverished habitat. Bedrock in this area will be exposed with the topsoil relocated to ‘nourish' other ecosystems on site. This maintains an open site line to/from the “Beacon of Peace”.
Cliff & Bank Ecosystem
This habitat is made up of steep to vertical faces of bedrock outcroppings. Very few trees reside in this landscape of lichens, herbs, ferns, insects and nesting of birds. The naturalized amphitheatre blends into the slope and captures the impressive seaward views.
Sandy Shore Ecosystem
There is limited plant life (blue-green algae and diatoms) but ample animal and insect life burrowing through this mobile sand habitat. It is an important feeding ground for shore birds at low tide and fish at high tide. People can swim, beach comb and watch the tide as it washes shells ashore from deeper water.
Boulder / Cobble Shore Ecosystem
Developed from erosion of glacial till, this is another habitat of limited plant and animal life. It provides an important role of helping to dissipate energy from ocean storms.
Rocky Shore Ecosystem
These are areas of bedrock exposed between tide levels on the seashore. They are relatively bare splash zones replete with algae, lichens, seaweed and exposed clear water conditions. People can explore this unique habitat at low tide.
Oceanic & Coastal Seascape
Observe the open water offshore habitat of microscopic algae, zooplankton, nekton, migratory fish, and other aquatic life from the walkway under the sea. (Peter J. Smith & Company Inc.)
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- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel Excerpt
- Presentation Panel Excerpt
