The well-known Wave sculpture on the Halifax waterfront is getting a makeover as part of a larger upgrade to the area.

Thousands of people have climbed the Wave over the past 26 years, despite the warning signs to stay off it. The sculpture is now looking worn and will get some much-needed repairs and restoration work.

"A full sand blast removing all coatings from the Wave, fixing any cracks in the concrete surface, and then recoating ... to restore the Wave to its original colour and intent," said Jacob Ritchie, a planner with the Waterfront Development Corporation.

The sculpture will also be surrounded by a new rubberized surface. It will likely retain its unofficial role as a climbing gym, too.

"It may be less of a slide, but it'll always be tempting to try to climb this piece of public art," Ritchie said. "It's something that the artist herself recognizes and we're not actively trying to discourage it through what we're doing now."

Sackville Landing repairs

The facelift for the Wave is part of a joint project between the city and the Waterfront Development Corporation to refurbish the Sackville Landing area. An area called the Podium will also be refreshed.

"The Podium is a series of steps and seating walls and we're going to tackle that too and freshen it up and plant some new trees in there and put a grass patio for people to have picnics," said Rudy Vodicka, a planner with Halifax Regional Municipality.

The restoration of the area will cost $600,000 and be shared evenly between the city and the Waterfront Development Corporation.

Officials hope to have the Wave restored and the Podium replaced before the Tall Ships Festival in July.