Cancer Survivors Park

Client

Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, Bloch Family Foundation

Location

Ottawa

Completion

2008

Award

Ottawa Urban Design Award - 2009 Award of Merit

Located in Ottawa, the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park is one of a series of Cancer Survivors Parks across North America, designed to provide a space of solace for patients, survivors, and families. While each park is uniquely designed, they all have three common elements as prescribed by the Bloch Family Foundation. The park features a ‘Cancer…there is Hope’ sculpture by Victor Salmones, which greets visitors at the main entrance to the park, a ‘Positive Mental Attitude Walk’ with fourteen messages on fighting cancer, and a ‘Road to Recovery’ with seven plaques on cancer knowledge and education.

Located between the busy intersections of Riverside Drive, Industrial Avenue, and Alta Vista Drive, the park is boldly designed to create a landmark that people recognize. A bouquet of seven large steel flowers capture attention and make a statement at the park’s western entrance. A large circular terrace inside the park is protected by gentle grade changes and perimeter tree planting, creating a buffer from harsh winds and providing shade to visitors. Planted at the centre of the park is a large oak tree, symbolizing strength and longevity. Two tall, curved masonry walls frame the eastern entrance to the park and support an intricate steel sculpture of ivy that is etched with the names of donors. Including the donation from the Bloch Family Foundation, a sum totalling $2 million dollars was raised for the design and construction of the park.