In my earlier review of False Creek, I gave a brief historic overview and noted that from the 1950s all the way through to the 1990s the area was “very much an industrial heartland.” Within that context, False Creek played home to many industrial buildings, sawmills and concrete silos. In brief, it wasn’t exactly the tourist mecca it is today; instead, it was kind of a rough and tumble eyesore. In the early 2000s, however, Vancouver City Council began to recognize False Creek’s potential for development and, over the course of 20 years, it’s become a Canadian showpiece for urban development and planning.
Outside of Hinge Park, I think Coopers’ Park is perhaps the best example of False Creek’s redevelopment, at least in microcosm. Over the span of 1.71 hectares, Coopers’ Park pays homage to False Creek’s industrial past while concomitantly illustrating its urban present. For example, as you walk along the park’s pathways, you’ll inevitably come across signage and information plaques highlighting the area’s early history. Coopers’ Park, we learn, is actually the former site of the Sweeney Cooperage and Sawmill, which operated until 1981 (to make way for BC Place and the new Cambie Street Bridge). Looking at Coopers’ Park today, you’d be hard pressed to find any significant evidence of the Cooperage and Sawmill. Instead, we’re more likely to admire the greenspace, which plays host to many a beautiful cherry tree, children’s playground and basketball court.
Indeed, as I walked through this lovely park, I couldn’t help but feel at ease. There was just something relaxing about observing people playing a game of basketball, or walking their dog, despite the ongoing stress of the pandemic. Maybe it was seeing that tiny glimpse of “normal” that we’ve all been missing for over a year?