New Park at 51 Sussex Avenue

A new 600m2 park is coming to 51 Sussex Ave. as part of a residential development project near Spadina Avenue and Sussex Avenue in the Harbord Village neighbourhood.

 

  • May 2022: Community engagement
  • July 2022: Hire a design team
  • August to September 2022: Design development and community engagement
  • October to December 2022: Detailed design
  • March 2023: Hire a construction team
  • May 2023: Construction starts
  • September 2023: Construction complete, park opens

The timeline is subject to change.

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June 2022

Online Survey

From May 11 to June 3, 2022, about 250 community members completed an online survey to share 179 ideas and over 4,800 ratings for the new park. The survey was promoted through paid social media ads to nearby residences, site signage, and on the project webpage.  The main survey question asked, “What are your ideas for this new park and playground, and is there any local knowledge we need to consider?”

The design team will use the feedback from this survey to create a draft park design, which will be shared with participants and neighbourhood residents later this year for further feedback and refinement.

Key Feedback

Community members shared that they are excited about this new park. The following summarises key feedback from the online survey of the most popular ideas that are within the project scope. You can also review all raw ideas and rankings on thoughtexchange.com.

  • Build a green park that includes plenty of greenspace, plantings, and trees to create a restorative and relaxing space.
  • Ensure there are comfortable gathering and meeting space in the new park where park users can spend time alone or with family and friends, while also enjoying plants, flowers, and shade from trees.
  • Build a park that is accessible to park users of all ages and abilities, including those with mobility devices, sensory, and other special needs.
  • Ensure the park includes space and/or features that appeal to teens, adults, and older adults.
  • Build a variety of seating options throughout the park, including some shaded seating, individual seating to allow for quiet activities like reading, group seating to allow for gathering, and seating and tables that allows park users to eat comfortably.
  • Provide shade throughout the park, which could include trees, a covered pavilion, and umbrellas.
  • Ensure the park is safe by considering the following:
    • Lighting to allow for more evening uses
    • Barriers or buffers (e.g. fences, gates, planters, trees) to prevent children or balls from running onto busy roads
    • Good sightlines and an active edge to see into and through the park
  • Keep the park clean and well maintained by including waste bins, regular park maintenance, graffiti prevention, and dog waste bins.
  • Include active park features. Popular preferences include: games tables, playground area, and a splash pad.
  • Ensure the park design process considers the park’s location in a wind tunnel and proximity to Spadina Avenue which generates noise in the area.