The talk of park improvements began in 2012 when the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA commissioned a study of the park by 8 80 Cities and Gehl Architects.
In 2016, under the leadership of city councillor Pam McConnell, work to develop a St. James Park Master Plan began. The design objectives were clear from the community—there was an overwhelming desire to maintain the character of the park, improve the pedestrian capacity, ensure flexibility in programming, celebrate the neighbourhood and its cultural heritage, and integrate a playground and public art.
The consultant design team was led by PMA Landscape Architects with Earthscape collaborating on playground design, RAW Design providing pavilion architecture, Marcel Dion on special lighting features, and Scott Eunson on public art.
Phase 1 of the revitalization was completed in the fall of 2018. The market-themed playground designed by Earthscape won a Landscape Ontario Award in January 2019.
Giant-sized produce and a tower made of stacked farmer’s baskets are the central features of the playground. Each play structure is designed to allow for higher achievements as a child grows and revisits the park and because studies have shown that healthy development includes learning one’s limits while taking risks, the playground includes elements such as the asparagus climber and the merry-go-round, that introduce risk while adhering to current safety standards. The playground area also features a flexible seating platform under a tree perfect for story time and a small water-play area.
Phase 2 of the park improvements started in the fall of 2019. In the center of the park, an enlarged plaza provides ample seating capacity. On the east side of the plaza, a new open-air pavilion, made of heavy timber columns and a trellis canopy with recessed lighting, is in part, inspired by the Gothic arches of the cathedral’s architecture. Located at this community axis that attracts walk-by pedestrians, it is suitable for a variety of programmed events and for daily community uses.
The entry plazas at the four corners of the park are enhanced with distinct heritage interpretation elements, seating and plantings. The northeast entry plaza at Jarvis and Adelaide (completed as part of Phase 1) incorporates a wayfinding light feature—a sculptural abstract interpretation of the St. James Cathedral in silhouette. The Robert Gourlay bust welcomes visitors coming into the park from the northwest entry plaza, and the south entry plazas feature installations by artist Scott Eunson.
Throughout, pathways have been widened to meet accessibility design guidelines, and new heritage lighting and benches have been added. The mature tree canopy was carefully preserved, and new trees were planted. The formal garden was extended with two new beds on the east side designed and planted by the Garden Club of Toronto.
The anticipated opening date of Phase 2 is June 2020. For more details visit the City of Toronto St. James Park Revitalization project.
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