Lincoln, ON – (January 20, 2023) – The Town of Lincoln and partner Downtown Bench Beamsville Business Improvement Area (BIA) are the proud recipients of two awards through Niagara Region’s 2022 Biennial Design Awards, which were presented on January 17, 2023 and recognized exceptional urban design projects across Niagara.
The two awards were presented for the following projects:
Outstanding Achievement Award for Rotary Park, in the Landscape Architecture category.
Award of Excellence for the Downtown Bench Beamsville Alleyway Project (Downtown Bench Business Improvement Area), in the Outdoor Art category.
“This is such an exciting moment for Lincoln! We are very honoured to be recognized for these transformative projects for the Lincoln community,” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “The success of this program shines a light on the work being done to create beautiful and public spaces across Niagara. Congratulations to all the award winners and participants alike.”
The Town of Lincoln submitted three additional projects through the Biennial Design Awards program: the Konkle Creek Naturalization Project (Landscape Architecture category), the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre (Architecture category) and the Ontario Street Urban Design Vision and Streetscape Master Plan (Visioning Design category) in collaboration with Niagara Region. The Konkle Creek project was recognized as an honourable mention (or “Grace Note” as noted by the judging panel) by transforming a drainage channel a bird and fish habitation while providing opportunities for passive recreation.
“All of these projects are years in the making, and only come to fruition thanks to endless hours of hard work and dedication by both Council and staff, and the collaboration of various partners and community members to create true community projects,” said the Town’s CAO Michael Kirkopoulos. “We continue to receive positive feedback for all these projects, and for our continued efforts to beautify the community. It is truly a great time to be living, working and playing in Lincoln.”
For more information on the Biennial Design Awards program, including design categories, eligibility and judging criteria, visit Niagara Region’s website.
- 30 -
For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
Direct: 905-563-2799 ext. 230
Downtown Bench Business Improvement Area
Stephanie Hicks
Executive Director
905-563-2799 ext. 330
Background on Award-Winning Projects:
Rotary Park
Rotary Park is located on the 3.66 acre parcel of parkland adjacent to the Fleming Memorial Arena (Fleming Centre) at 5020 Serena Drive in Beamsville, and was a multi-phased project that has become the Town of Lincoln’s second destination park.
Park development began with the Phase I skatepark and pump track which was completed in Fall 2020. Phase II broke ground in the Spring of 2021 and was completed in Fall 2021. In partnership with the Fleming Foundation and Ontariogreen, the Val Fleming Butterfly Garden was planted in Spring 2022. The official grand opening was held in June 2022.
To ensure this public space is one where residents and visitors can engage in meaningful activities and events, thoughtful design and programming that includes age-friendly and accessible amenities, organized and non-programmed uses, and best practices in beautification, environmental management and stewardship were all of paramount importance during the public engagement, planning and development processes. The park includes the following features:
- Skatepark and pump track
- Junior and senior play equipment as well as fitness equipment
- Walking trails with seating and lighting
- Shade structures with seating, lighting, convenience power and a water bottle refill station
- Outdoor learning area with shade and a lending library
- Butterfly garden with native plants, pergolas, seating, educational signage and the Town's first piece of public art
- Trees, planting beds, bioswales and lawn areas with irrigation
- Parking, traffic calming and a crosswalk
More than $700,000 was received from externally secured grants and donations including the Rotary Club of Lincoln, The Fleming Foundation, other levels of government and community donors, with the remaining costs covered by the Town of Lincoln.
Downtown Bench Beamsville Alleyway Project
The Downtown Bench Alley is located along King Street in the downtown core of Beamsville, connecting a municipal parking lot to the downtown shops. The Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA sought to beautify the downtown by activating the alley. The murals and lighting transform this heavily used pedestrian route into an attractive, bright throughway.
The murals are colourful and vibrant, creating an immersive experience. The artwork pays homage to the agriculture in the Town of Lincoln, depicting tender fruit and stone fruit crops. Christie’s Dairy, our historical founder Jacob Beam, and our craft beverage sector of craft beers and wines are also portrayed.
To accomplish a project of this caliber, connecting the right people and sourcing possible funding opportunities were crucial. The BIA collaborated with the Town of Lincoln who assisted in sourcing funding through to Niagara Region’s Public Realm Investment Program. The downtown alleyway is situated along a Regional Road, so the project fit the criteria of their investment program and aligned with the improvement goals of Niagara Region.
The BIA enlisted artist Dan Kozina to design and implement the murals. Dan truly captured the beauty in Lincoln while paying homage to the history of the downtown and surrounding area.
In 2022, this project was also awarded by the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association for Streetscaping + Public Realm Improvements – Large Scale projects.
