The Jack Long Park
project is a community tribute to the well renowned Jack Long, Architect, Planner, former Alderman, and once dedicated and active Inglewood resident. Jack held high values for his community Inglewood, and for the wellbeing and self determination of all Calgary communities. Jack was the driving force behind the redevelopment of Inglewood and Ramsay in the early 70’s, putting Inglewood and Ramsay on the map as the very first neighbourhoods to participate in the Federal Government’s Neighbourhood Improvement Project. Numerous community residents contributed thousands of volunteer hours to protect, enhance, and revitalise these 2 historic communities… and the legacy continues.
The Alexandra Centre Building revitalisation project was the first major project undertaken to provide services and common meeting ground for the redevelopment of the communities. It is therefore fitting that the Alexandra park site be dedicated in Jack’s memory, and that the Alexandra Centre Society facilitates, and coordinates the design and planning of the park.
In keeping with Jack’s philosophy the Alexandra Centre Society is embarking on an exciting community consultation process. Margot Long, Jack’s daughter and principal of Vancouver’s PWL Partnership has come on board to design the park in her father’s memory.
Two public brainstorming sessions have been held to date, one with Inglewood and Ramsay residents, and the other with a group of are school children from Ramsay School.
Approximately 25 people attended the first "brainstorming" session. A good number of ideas were contributed all forming a set of core values:
- The park should be multi-use, cater to a multi-age population, and be open to all who wish to use it (respectfully).
- The park must be a meeting place for the community
- The park must be a place for celebrations and community festivals.
- The park must reflect Jack Long's philosophy (basically all of the above)
