The purpose of Celebration Park is to show the people of Toronto what is possible; what connecting to nature can be in the city; and, what their city could become with a shift in perspective. All that is needed is a dedication to designing our communities as if people matter and giving them the kinds of things that make spaces more comfortable and useable.
By focusing on peoples’ needs, we can create safe, healthy, and really interesting spaces in our parks, public plazas, and even along our streets as we have done here on Yonge Street.
These projects and changes don’t have to be particularly expensive or complex either. The best public spaces are those that people use all the time as part of their everyday lives. Often the existing buildings and storefronts can provide a great backdrop and framework to begin with; as you can see when you are at Celebration Park.
With the features of our temporary park we have added just the right elements to make what was once just a lane of stuttering traffic into a great place for people to enjoy.
People are telling us they really appreciate Celebration Park and how comfortable the street has become and how much more enjoyable it is. As you can see in these pictures, now people can do simple things along Yonge Street that were impossible before, making their time along Yonge Street better: enjoying some greenery and having a bite to eat; sitting in the shade of a tree; or even getting a glass of lemonade.
People are telling us they really appreciate Celebration Park and how comfortable the street has become and how much more enjoyable it is. As you can see in these pictures, now people can do simple things along Yonge Street that were impossible before, making their time along Yonge Street better: enjoying some greenery and having a bite to eat; sitting in the shade of a tree; or even getting a glass of lemonade.
These are the simple kinds of activities that need to be nurtured in our communities to make them great places to live, and the kinds of spaces both Adam Bienenstock and Robert Voigt are involved in designing and creating, with the facilitation of people like ING’s Nick Cluley.
With the right team and a willing neighbourhood or community, you can do just about anything. Close down a lane of Yonge Street - bring in nature - make it better for biking and walking - have fun events - no problem! The only question is “Where to next?”
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