A new green space is now part of the Pedestrian Mall.

The Picnic Park, located at the corner of Bates Hill and Duckworth Street, officially opened last night.

Owner of Piatto Pizzeria, Kate Vallis, came up with the idea to include the space in the expanded Pedestrian Mall.

She says Piatto owns a small parcel of land across the street from the restaurant that was partially being used as a staff parking lot. She was inspired by the city’s focus on creating more outdoor experiences in the downtown core.

There is limited opportunity for green spaces downtown, especially in the Pedestrian Mall according to Vallis. She calls the Picnic Park a unique opportunity to provide that type of space.

The city and local companies came together to clean up the area and beautify the space which can be used by anyone.