Photo Credit: Kenneth Chan/The Daily Hive
Oakridge Park officially opened its doors this May. Following its opening, it has quickly become a bustling hub of luxury shopping, diverse dining, and vibrant culture. But what does this revamp mean for students, and have we found Hamber’s new favourite hangout hotspot?
To put these questions to rest, we visited Oakridge Park ourselves and got the scoop up close and in person.
With over 100 premier brands across 650,000 square feet, Oakridge is truly a sight to see. High ceilings, a sunroof, and beautiful circular architecture gives this destination an airy, spacious atmosphere. Additionally, there are many designated spaces to socialize and meet others, such as the origami tables. Located in the North Atrium, near the entrance, people can sit and socialize while folding beautiful paper creations between 3:00–5:00 PM daily, giving Oakridge a community feel.
Oakridge Park also features a vast expanse of clothing brands, ranging from streetwear to workout apparel to red carpet couture. There are many high-end stores such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and there are also a few stores that students are more familiar with, including Aritzia and Lululemon.
Fashion isn’t the only thing you can stock up on at Oakridge Park. There are also plenty of other products offered, such as luxury jewelry from brands like Tiffany & Co. and beauty and wellness products from brands like Sephora.
Compared to the standard food courts you’d find at most malls, Oakridge Park’s Time Out Market stands out in appearance, cultural lineup, and menu. Immediately, you're greeted with warm, comforting aromas in a space bustling with lively crowds and busy restaurants.
Time Out has over twenty different acclaimed restaurants and bakeries by local culinary legends. Having a hard time choosing what to eat? Beside each stall is a brief description that introduces the type of cuisine it offers. Our personal favourites include DownLow Chicken and Mello Donuts, but Time Out’s diverse cultural menu ensures that everyone will have something to eat.
The downside to Time Out Market is its prices. They can range from around $20 to $30 per person! If your bank account is starting to look suspiciously empty, Time Out definitely won’t help.
Just steps away from the Time Out Market is The Commons, a multi-acre outdoor space for everyone to unwind. One of the first things you’ll notice as you enter the rooftop park is a field of large dandelion-shaped canopies called “Bush Capsules.” Designed by Canadian artist Brian Jungen, they combine design, shelter, and symbolism to create an eye-catching piece for the public to admire.
The outdoor patio includes an oval-shaped synthetic track that wraps around the building, a gym area equipped with a variety of exercise beams, and a one-of-a-kind playground featuring concrete geometric blocks. Don’t feel like moving? Play a game of ping-pong and foosball on the complimentary tables near the grassy field. If you forget to bring your own equipment, rent a paddle and ball from the Concierge Desk for free — a perfect way to have fun without a price!
On top of recreational tables that are available daily, Oakridge Park also arranges live music at the Time Out Market and North Atrium. They also host weekly events such as Mahjong Mondays, Zumba Wednesdays and Chess Club Saturdays. Designed for all skill levels, these social clubs are a great way to connect with new people in your community.
If you’d rather admire art than break a sweat outside, visitors will find that Oakridge Park is also home to strikingly beautiful contemporary art pieces. One example is “The Nest,” a grand statement piece that sits outside of Time Out Market. It imitates a rattan bird’s nest, with floral accents and hummingbirds along the side of the walls. Nearby is a 3-D miniature replica of Oakridge Park.
Only a 20-minute walk from Hamber, Oakridge Park is an accessible after-school hangout destination. There is an array of different stores to satisfy your every need. The food served at Time Out Market is perfect to treat yourself after finishing a gruelling test, and with its warm atmosphere and frequent events, everyone is sure to have a blast. So to answer our questions: yes, Oakridge Park is definitely a contender for top hangout spot!