“No comparison — it’s like a new park,” Edmontonian Alain LeBlanc said as he took in the changes during a visit to the city’s newly revamped William Hawrelak Park on Thursday.
After being closed for three years, the popular green space in the river valley reopened to Edmontonians with some localized construction remaining in March. But an event this weekend will make the park’s reopening official.
To mark the full completion of the park’s major $134.5-million renewal project, a grand reopening celebration will be held on Saturday that will include performances and activities throughout the day across the 68-hectare site.
LeBlanc said the brand-new feel of Hawrelak Park is a welcome addition for the city.
“It’s very nice because it’s something Edmonton [needed]: a park where all the family can come and enjoy, a park that has a quality like you will see in Europe,” he said.
As a result of the extensive rehabilitation work that first got underway in 2023, the park now features a new lakefront promenade, a new playground, a modernized pavilion and renovated washrooms. It also features a new perimeter path and multi-use trails that are fully paved.
An aerial photo of William Hawrelak Park during renewal work in November 2025. (Bob Grieve/CBC)
So far, many Edmontonians have said they have been impressed with the changes.
“I think they’ve done a great job. It’s great to have it open again, to see people around,” said park user Kim Kelly.
“It’s just been a lovely reinventing of it. Even though you don’t see everything they did, you feel it when you’re around.”
A new restaurant, Lift Me Up on the Lake by Tiramisu Bistro, located in the centre of the park, is another addition visitors have been appreciating.
“We’re really excited that the park is open and that the café is down here,” said Liz Yachimec, who was visiting the park with her family on Thursday. “You can come grab a coffee, and the kids liked watching the geese in the lake.
“It’s nice that it’s open again. Perfect time for summer.”
Liz Yachimec and her children, Jaxson Palumbi, 8, and Ayla Palumbi, 6, sit outside the new restaurant Lift Me Up on the Lake by Tiramisu Bistro in Hawrelak Park. (Adrienne Lamb/CBC)
But not all of the park’s upgrades are visible to visitors.
In an interview with CBC News in March, Matthew Everett, the general supervisor for the City of Edmonton, said most of the upgrades were made to underground systems, including storm, sanitary, water distribution and power systems.
He said no major improvements had been made to the park since it opened in 1967.
The grand reopening event on Saturday will take place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and will feature food trucks, interactive activities, an art unveiling, multiple performances and an address by Mayor Andrew Knack.
Festivals, events and picnic bookings are also set to return to the park beginning on Monday.