“Any time we’re bringing in thousands of people it is a great opportunity to showcase what we have in downtown Vancouver, and how many new businesses are opening up,” said Donovan.
Existing businesses also benefit. Jordan Boldt, executive director of the Vancouver Farmers Market Association, said that the “park has a significant impact on the market.”
“The park creates a great atmosphere, with green space, ambiance, structures for kids and a water feature for people to sit by,” said Boldt. “It propagates a sense of community.”
Both Boldt and Bray mentioned that parking during park events can be problematic, an issue which Donovan said the city is trying to address. Besides the two parking garages nearby, the city has opened up parking behind the former city hall building, and provides free street parking after 6:00 p.m. During recent concerts, the city also made the new city hall parking lot available after 5:00 p.m.
“There’s an amazing amount of parking downtown,” said Donovan.
Building on the surge of economic development in the park’s vicinity, Rafferty said that the city and the VDA are now trying to extend the effect to Main Street.
“There’s a renewed sense of optimism,” said Rafferty, “led by the city’s wise decision to create that play/entertaining space. It has become the heart of the city.”
