Possibilities: The River Lookout.

One of the busiest corners in Stratford, both for pedestrians and vehicles, is located at the southwest bank of the Avon by the William Hutt Bridge. This is a primary pathway beside the river for explorers and theatregoers. However, the corner is often overwhelmed by pedestrians in the narrow space between the street and the stacked stone wall. 

One of the possibilities that can be envisioned in this space is a platform lookout overlooking the water, integrated with the existing wall as its gateway. The view could include a restoration of the Blowes fountain, with an updated water purification system included in the new design. The envisioned platform could relieve crowding at the corner and afford visitors an informational lookout.

An information plaque could depict the entire parklands from the T.J. Dolan Trail to Gallery Stratford, identifying each attraction along the way and providing internet links and individual QR codes. Some of these locations are well known, some are unknown; when viewed together their impact is only stronger.

Elements of the stacked stone/concrete wall could be preserved as a monument to the past.  

The platform and its information plaque would make the viewer conscious of the dedication and resourcefulness of visionary Stratford citizens in the past. It would also encourage the viewer to contemplate how citizen-based action can tackle thorny challenges and create beautiful spaces welcoming all, whether in Stratford or elsewhere in Canada or the wider world.

The River Above the River Below is a vision inspired by the Provocations Ideas Festival. 

Introduction | Shakespearean Gardens  | Orr Dam | Allward Monument | The Tom | Festival Theatre | The Lookout | Healing Waters | Island  | Gallery Pathways | North Shore | TJ Dolan Pathway | Conclusion