Whistler Olympic Plaza
Whistler Olympic Plaza reflects both the community’s needs and its character. At first glance, it looks like a park, with a spectacular playground, lots of seating for parents and a Great Lawn that’s perfect for playing tag. Look around and the view becomes that a state-of-the-art outdoor performance facility with a dramatic mountain backdrop, right in the heart of dynamic Whistler Village.
Photo Credit: Mike Crane
The redeveloped site of the Whistler medals ceremonies for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games commemorates our community’s involvement with the globe’s largest sporting and cultural event. Reminders of those amazing 27 days in 2010 are an important part of the Plaza’s design, reflecting the three pillars of the Olympic and Paralympic Games: sport, environment and culture.
When it comes to recognizable positive icons, it’s hard to compete with the Olympic rings. The same rings that graced the entrance to Medals Plaza remain at The Plaza and have already become a favourite spot for photos. However, the Paralympic Agito, with its comfortable curves, might just give the rings a little competition when it comes to being a preferred place for visitor photo opportunities.
Just beyond the rings, eight aluminum panels commemorate every athlete who participated in the 2010 Winter Games in Whistler. A special memorial for fallen Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili will also be installed.
The Four Host First Nations’ participation in the 2010 Winter Games was essential to its success. Their contributions are recognized with renowned Musqueam sculptor Susan Pointe’s “A Timeless Circle”, a bronze consisting of 86 First Nations carved faces. Additionally, as part of the Cultural Journey Project, the Squamish-Lil'Wat Cultural Centre is donating a totem pole to the site.
And the original Olympic cauldron, lit to signify the opening of the XXI Winter Games, has found also found permanent home at The Plaza.
Hosting the Winter Games was a community dream that began practically the minute first lift made its way up London Mountain (now Whistler Mountain) a few decades ago — Whistler Olympic Plaza celebrates the realization of this dream and the spirit that made it possible. Now it’s the place for new dreams. Whistler Olympic Plaza, let the future begin.
