Photo supplied by the Oaklands Rise Woonerf
What’s a Woonerf* you might be asking – to quote from the Oaklands Rise Woonerf brochure it’s a “people-first, community building concept … to reduce risk of harm in residential neighbourhoods.” In the Oaklands version it’s an area of Oaklands without sidewalks that manages, through a variety of methods – like planted boulevards and street art to name a couple – to feel safe, welcoming and at a human scale despite not having sidewalks. It’s a place where people come first and the street is shared with other modes of transport as needed.
Now the community in the Oaklands Rise Woonerf have created their first road mural (one of a few that will be painted this year) and they’re excited to share it with the rest of Victoria. It’s at the Kings Rd/Mt Stephen Ave intersection and you are encouraged to go out and have a look at it during the Fernwood Art Stroll this weekend (June 8 and 9th – see fernwoodartstroll.ca).
Congratulations to the fine folks of the Oaklands Rise Woonerf group who have created a beautiful neighbourhood of greenery, colour and whimsy in the midst of the city.
*this is a Dutch word pronounced VŌN-airf
Guest Author Bio
Susan Martin
Longtime resident of #YYJ who delights in exploring every corner and cul de sac of our beautiful city. Thinks that walking is one of the best medicines in existence and tries to get a dose of it each day. Keenly interested in how our built environment affects the health of individuals, neighbourhoods and societies.
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