Slidey Slides at Hastings Park

For many Vancouverites, thoughts of Hastings Park usually conjure up images of thundering thoroughbreds, mini doughnuts, catapulting roller coasters and epic battles on the lush, green gridiron of Empire Stadium. However, today, nestled under the magnificent wooden and perhaps rickety track of Vancouver’s famous and most historic roller coaster lies a family-friendly outdoor park. One of our city’s largest urban parks, Hastings Park is the go-to destination for play!
I stumbled upon Hastings Park while cycling the Cassier Bikeway. Immediately, I found myself captivated. From vibrant, beautiful and serene green spaces to adrenaline-pumping skateboard parks the area has something for everyone. Not wanting to miss …show more content…
Originally, named Plateau Park Playground, during a recent renaming initiative, the city engaged in a public consultation process with our youngest citizens. Children from the adjacent Kiwassa Neighbourhood House daycare were asked for suggestions. Voila, the area has officially been renamed Slidey Slides! Leave it to say, I can personally attest to the fact that the slides are indeed slidey!
After my turn on the slidey slide I made my way to the Leeside Skate Park, which is, in fact, a repurposed transit tunnel under the Cassiar Connector. I stopped to observe a boarder in action. As he ollied, kickflipped and carved, it struck me that Hastings Park exemplified the best of our city. Young and old, active and sedentary folk, from all walks of life, have made this park their own. Perhaps, the Urban Reef modular bench installation, a social catalyst, says it best: sit, relax, engage and enjoy.
Getting There:
With views of the North Shore Mountains, Hastings Park is located at 2901 East Hastings Street and easily accessible by transit and bike. Look for Playland and the giant