The vision proposed and detailed by the Seferian Design Group recreated the gardens on both sides of the lower watercourse and introduced a large circular plaza with horticultural beds around the fountain in the upper terrace. Formality was reintroduced with the installation of boxwood-lined planting areas which included a wide array of perennial plantings in the lower terrace and framed beds for changing annual plantings in the upper terrace. To ensure success and reduce operational pressures, a new irrigation system was installed throughout all beds.
Two access ramps were also added to each side of the grand staircase to allow easy movement between the levels. These were carefully designed to be integrated into the gardens and to preserve design symmetry.
The upper plaza was designed as a place to congregate and hold events around the fountain. The generous plaza also serves as an overspray area during windy conditions. Water is collected and directed towards the fountain base to a circular trench drain that accentuates the circular form of the fountain. Beyond the spray zone, custom-designed curved concrete benches reinforce the circular form and provide ideal viewing spots of the fountain and flower beds.
Attention was paid to every detail, including the mechanical distribution chamber. With the reinstatement of all spray features for the fountain, it became apparent the old chamber did not have the space for any additional pipes and valves. In consultation with the plumber responsible for the fountain operation, a new custom chamber was designed not only to provide easy access, but also to eliminate any confined spaces. To achieve this, a stainless steel butterfly vault hatch cover was used. Since the vault was located in the plaza, a heavy-duty cover—rated for an H20 load (the bridge design criteria established by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials [AASHTO]), was used to support any vehicle that would drive over it.
New replica stone walls were built on the opposite side of the upper terrace to integrate the new plaza to the existing staircase. In fact, the old wall at the top of the staircase served as the pattern for Benabec Architectural Precast Products, a manufacturer of custom concrete architectural designs, which recreated the shape of the spindles and cap stone to match the style of the old wall.
Security was improved by removing the tall beech hedges and opening up the views from all parts of the park. New light-emitting diode (LED) decorative lights were also installed on both terraces. The lower terrace features single luminaires with two hanging baskets on each pole. These baskets were irrigated with drip lines. The upper terrace has twin luminaires and the pole is extended up to support LED spotlights carefully aimed to accentuate the fountain from all sides. Black metal benches and litter containers were added to complete the furnishings.
The redevelopment of the fountain terraces was completed in 2013-14 at a cost of $690,000. The general contractor was the CSL Group of Hamilton in Ancaster, Ont.
Wonderful job, kudos to all involved. In my younger years, that fountain would’ve been full of urine and broken glass. Today, my kids were able to splash their toes in the water. Truly a gem in an area that needs one.