The City is adding a new skate spot and an accessible pathway at Elizabeth Simcoe Park as part of the Parks and Recreation Facilities plan and the Skateboard Strategy. The skate spot will include select features such as ledges and railings, strategically placed to provide an introductory yet engaging skateboarding experience.
No trees will be removed as part of this project, and the project team will work around all existing trees. If this changes, or if a tree is deemed to be in poor condition and requires removal, all removed trees will be replaced at a 3:1 ratio, and a permit will also be required to ensure the replacements are properly accounted for.
The timeline is subject to change.
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The project scope has been updated based on community feedback received through the online survey and emails to the project team. Feedback indicated a strong preference for a poured-in-place (PIP) concrete skate spot over the proposed modular skate spot due to its longevity, increased safety and reduced noise. The project team will work with a design-build consulting team to custom design a PIP skate spot for this location. An additional public survey will be shared with the local community to gather input on the updated design.
In addition, concerns were raised about the accessibility of the park’s existing tennis courts. In response, the City will add a new accessible pathway to the tennis courts.
The project timeline has been updated to reflect these changes.
From November 19 to December 1, an online survey received 277 submissions providing feedback on multiple skate spot design options. The survey was promoted through paid social media ads, outreach to nearby schools, the local Councillor’s office, on-site signage and on this page.
The design team will use this feedback to refine the final skate spot design. The final design will be available on this page in spring 2025.
When asked to rank their skate spot design preference, respondents ranked Skate Spot Design C highest (40 per cent) followed by Skate Spot Design B (33 per cent) and Skate Spot Design A (27 per cent).
Respondents were asked to rank the features of the skate spot from favourite to least favourite. Respondents shared that the three most important features to include in the new skate spot are:
Respondents shared that the three least important features to include in the new skate spot are:
Respondents were asked how the flat area and skate features should be organized:
Respondents were asked if budget permits, were there any other features or elements they’d like the City to consider for the skate spot:
Additionally, four emails were received stating they were not in favour of a skate spot, and three emails were received stating they are in favour of the skate spot but would like to see it be larger, and one email was received requesting the skate spot to be poured-in-place concrete as opposed to modular.
All three designs have the same amount of skate features and cost the same amount.
Design A includes:
Design B includes:
Design C includes:
A skate spot is a small-scale skatepark that includes several skateable structures for activities like skateboarding, inline skating, scootering and more. The Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan reviewed Toronto’s existing skateboarding facilities to determine where new facilities are needed to meet the growing demand for the sport. Parks are selected for new facilities based on a number of factors, including: