Introduction
Saskatoon’s City Park is a vibrant character neighbourhood with shops, restaurants, and more. Its boundaries are 33 Street East to the north, 1 Avenue North to the west, 25 Street East to the south, and the South Saskatchewan River to the east. Located close to downtown, this busy community is the place to be during the summer festival season.
Lifestyle
City Park offers all the excitement and advantages of city life. Its character homes are ornamented with gargoyles and large elm trees, and there’s easy access to the downtown core, although the community has pubs and restaurants of its own. The Meewasin Valley Trail is close by, promoting outdoor activity and wellness, and every summer, the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan festival sets up tents in the park near University Bridge.
Dollars & Sense
Homeownership in City Park is moderately affordable, although the neighbourhood skews towards the rental market. According to the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation, in 2013 Saskatoon’s average rent was $827 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,020 for two bedrooms. That price reflects the area’s central location. Still, the nearby amenities reduce transportation costs significantly. Restaurant prices are more expensive here: expect $4 to $6 for a cup of artisan coffee.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
The proximity to downtown comes with an increased level of activity, and it’s best to stay alert at night. Still, neighbours are quite protective of one another and the streets are quieter the further you get into the community. While the neighbourhood only has one alternative high school, nearby North Park has both a public and a Catholic elementary school. Amenities not available here are only a short distance away.
1.0 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
City Park’s location is convenient for getting around. Traffic is concentrated on 2nd Avenue and 25th Street, and the neighbourhood’s free parking is popular (there’s a two-hour limit for non-permit holders). Bus service in the area is very fast – just five minutes to the downtown bus mall, and 19 minutes to the University of Saskatchewan. If you’re heading on a trip, the international airport is only seven kilometres away.
In the Area
In addition to parks and restaurants, the neighbourhood is home to an alternative high school, City Park Collegiate, and the Saskatoon City Hospital. Two elementary schools, one public and one Catholic, are located close by in the North Park neighbourhood. There’s a small grocery store on 7th Avenue along with a hair salon and barbershop. An active community association offers social and leisure programs, and maintains a public skating rink.
Meet the Neighbours
According to a 2014 profile from the City of Saskatoon, City Park’s population is estimated at 4,379. Most households are made up of single people in their 20s and 30s, with some young families as well. According to the 2011 Canadian census, the majority of residents report English as their first language. In recent years, many newcomers to Canada have moved into the area.
The Vibe
One of Saskatoon’s friendliest neighbourhoods, City Park residents are passionate about the area and take pride in living close to downtown. The community association is strong, and people love to stay active. Along the riverbank, the weir attracts pelicans, and the nearby train bridge has a pedestrian walkway that provides access to the city’s east bank. Kinsmen Park is popular all year round with families, commuters, and cross-country skiers.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Saskatoon City Hospital
The city’s oldest hospital has undergone multiple renovations since it opened in 1909. Its current state-of-the-art building has over 100 beds and a convalescent home. Emergency hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every week.
more infoYWCA Saskatoon
Saskatoon’s YWCA is multi-dimensional. Its mission is to help women and children in crisis, with a residence and preventative programming. The organization’s swimming and fitness centre also serves the greater Saskatoon community.
more infoKinsmen Park
The highlights here include a children’s play area, spray park, and walking trail. The newly renovated PotashCorp Playland offers a Ferris wheel, a heritage carousel, and a freight train ride.
more infoEarls Kitchen & Bar Saskatoon
While technically a franchise, this Earls location has built its own unique personality and fan club. Built in a renovated bread factory, the restaurant operates its own microbrewery, English brewpub, outdoor patio, and fresh market.
more infoChildren’s Discovery Museum on the Saskatchewan
The Children’s Discovery Museum is a place where children learn through play. Temporary exhibits are located in Market Mall, however a “permanent” museum will open in 2017 in the former Mendel Art Gallery building.
more infoCity Perks
Stop by this local coffeehouse for fresh food and baked goods, or a specialty drink brewed by friendly baristas. The restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with free Wi-Fi everyday, and live jazz on Sundays.
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