Lac-à-la-Loutre Park - St Henri, Montreal

"A recent example of a positive experience of quality in my own community is Parc du Lac-à-la-Loutre in St Henri. This community park was recently developed on a former vacant lot. It is a space clearly designed for multiple users of various interests and generations, including accessible children’s play areas, a “micro-forest”, a relaxation area, and a collective garden. The micro-forest is designed to highlight native species, and includes walking trails with dedicated signage to encourage connection with nature and educate about biodiversity. There are also musical instruments available throughout the space to provide a multi-sensory experience. The relaxation zone includes hammocks and seating areas to encourage use of the space, and includes seating created from Montreal ash trees, encouraging reflection on local nature, and re-use of urban materials. The collective garden encourages community engagement and residents working together to share the harvest (rather than individual allotments that characterize many community gardens), and includes experimental plots to highlight indigenous plants. The garden includes an access ramp, as well as accessible/wheelchair-friendly picnic tables and garden beds to ensure that aging members of the community or those with reduced mobility are included in the space. The park is connected to the Saint-Pierre Woonerf, allowing safe, off-street access from many nearby houses and apartment complexes." (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.189). Link Park:https://montreal.ca/lieux/parc-du-lac-la-loutre Link Garden: https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/lall Google Map link: https://www.google.com/maps/search/Lac-%C3%A0-la-Loutre+Park/@45.4707329,-73.5889774,17z/data=!3m1!4b1