Swensson Park Revitalization

A park renewal that adds a picnic shelter and flexible open space while protecting mature trees and neighbour privacy.

City

Abbotsford

Status

Completed in 2025

Refreshed design for a neighbourhood park

A rejuvenation of an underused space in Abbotsford’s Swensson Park that doesn’t compromise the site’s natural character. The primary challenge was incorporating meaningful public amenities while preserving mature trees that define the park’s spatial quality and ensuring adequate privacy for adjacent residential properties. Enhancing stormwater resilience was also a key priority throughout the design process.

In response to a community survey, we incorporated a picnic shelter as the anchor element, creating a clear focal point that draws people into the site. A bike rack, additional picnic tables, and a flat open lawn with unobstructed views of the shelter provide flexible, unprogrammed space that expands the park’s offering for visitors of all ages. Layered native plantings create a human scale to the space while enhancing usability, privacy, and ecological function. A border of shrubs keeps visitors away from private properties and draws attention back into the park, enhancing privacy for local residents while supporting enhanced stormwater management. By preserving the mature tree canopy and carefully managing views, this project created a multi-generational amenity that respects the natural environment while expanding the park’s usability for the surrounding community.