The Strathcona Science Park (SSP) was once part of the Capital City Recreation Park – an initiative launched in 1978 that joined Edmonton’s river valley into one continuous, trail-linked stretch of urban parkland, running from the Alberta legislature grounds to Hermitage Park. Now abandoned but cared for by the Province (it’s now a provincial park), the SSP is located on 17th street, just south of Trans-Canada Highway 16 (Yellowhead). It sits across the river from the northern reaches of Rundle Park and is accessible via the Rundle Park Footbridge. It’s also across the street from an oil refinery, which is fitting. The original purpose of the park was to educate visitors on the basics of the local energy (oil) industry, as well as illuminate some of the natural history of the area. The park’s pavilions, pathways, and amenities have been left unkempt, making it a genuine Edmonton ruin.
