Hall Park Officially Opened in Stony Plain

STONY PLAIN, AB: The Town of Stony Plain is celebrating the revitalization of Hall Park, named in honour of Doug and Leona Hall. The neighbourhood improvement project transformed the green space at 4800 56 Avenue and now offers enhanced trails, upgraded amenities, and new opportunities for connection. The renewed park was unveiled during the Hall Park Grand Opening and Gather & Grow Day celebration on Saturday, September 20, where residents gathered to enjoy the improved space and take part in community activities.

As part of the celebration, community members planted 13 new trees, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Visitors also experienced the unveiling of Animals, two striking new sculptures by artist Brandon Vickerd, installed to spark curiosity and reflection along the park’s pathways.

Standing over two metres tall, the new public artwork depicts a red fox and a cottontail rabbit, both native to the Stony Plain area. Fabricated from nearly 80 layers of 1.25cm thick Corten steel, the sculptures shift in appearance as viewers move around them, creating an optical illusion that encourages exploration and reflection.

“Animals is an iconic artwork that appeals across generations and celebrates the role of nature and community spaces in fostering social connection,” says artist Brandon Vickerd. “Ultimately the artwork will cause viewers to pause in wonder and thought, fostering a connection between individuals and the landscape that surrounds them.”

The placement of the two sculptures within Hall Park was designed to create a sense of discovery as visitors move along the trails. Visible from a distance, the pieces appear as solid animal forms, but upon closer approach, their segmented design reveals light, space, and movement, symbolizing the fleeting presence of wildlife in suburban landscapes.

“The addition of these sculptures to Hall Park creates a deeper layer of meaning for residents and visitors,” said Mayor William Choy. “Public art like this strengthens our identity as a community, sparks imagination, and enhances the vibrancy of shared spaces.”

The Town’s Art in Public Places program, guided by the Art in Public Places Policy, celebrates creativity and enriches quality of life by integrating public art into everyday spaces. Animals is the newest addition to Stony Plain’s growing collection of public art and reflects the community’s ongoing commitment to culture, nature, and connection.

To explore Animals and other works in the collection, visit our Public Art webpage.