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Renaming of Gary Park - Ward 6 - North York Humber
The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (February 11, 1998) from the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation.
The North York Community Council reports having requested the Functional Lead for Parks and Recreation to submit a report to the North York Community Council outlining a policy for the renaming of parks.
The North York Community Council submits the following report (February 11, 1998) from the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation:
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to seek Council=s authority to rename Gary Park (Ward 6) to Wallace C. Swanek Park.
Source of Funds:
There is minimal cost associated with this name change as all park signs will be changed in the future to reflect the new visual identity of the City of Toronto. In the interim, the present two wooden signs would be replaced at a cost of $500.00.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the park as outlined in appendix I be renamed from the existing Gary Park to the Wallace C. Swanek Park; and
(2) the appropriate City Officials take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Background:
Councillor Gina Severino was approached early in 1997 by the Swanek family to rename Gary Park to Wallace C. Swanek Park.
A public meeting to discuss the issue was convened on June 27, 1997 and a presentation regarding the history of the park and the role of Wallace Swanek was made. Some thirty-five residents attended the meeting and there was considerable discussion about the park name. A number of residents complained about the timing of the meeting -- being a Friday night and the start of summer break.
A subsequent public meeting was called on September 29, 1997. Some forty residents attended the meeting including a large representation of the Swanek family. There was general agreement by those that attended the meeting that the park should be renamed.
The present policy of the City names parks based on geographic location and street name. There is president set within the City where outstanding citizens have been recognized for their contribution to the community by having a park named after them. Silvia Collela and Irving Chapley are two examples.
Historical Justification:
The Swanek family are long-term residents of the Pelmo area. A farm situated on the south side of what is now Queenslea Avenue was owned in the 1930's and 40's by Felix Swanek, the father of Wallace Chester Swanek.
In the 1940's, at the end of the Second World War, Wallace C. Swanek returned home. He brought with him the ACan Do@ spirit and the enterprising attitude that characterized his life. He convinced his father that there would be many young families who would be in need of homes and he wanted to be the one to build them. Wallace built his first house at 161 Queenslea Avenue. His second house was built with the foresight of parkland across from it. This house at 165 Queenslea Avenue was for his family. For the next forty-five years, Wallace and his wife Betty raised their family of thirteen children.
Wallace continued to build all along Queenslea Avenue as well as Deerhurst, Rosemount, Wendell, Walwyn, Academy, Portage and Limerick. It was during this time, in the early 1950's that he gave to the City his dream, the gift of the parkland. As a land developer, Wallace was required to set aside some park area. He donated far more property to the City than required by law. By doing so, the residents enjoy the present day Gary Park. It=s now the public place of recreation he dreamed of for his children, his grandchildren and the growing neighbourhood. Wallace went on to build in other areas in the west-end of Metro, but the Pelmo area was always home.
Wallace C. Swanek, was born in Poland June 22, 1922 and died in Toronto on March 31, 1985. His wife, Betty, and their children Nancy, Roy and Lyn-Marie continue to live across from the park at 165 Queenslea Avenue. Their eldest son Brad Swanek and his family reside at 161 Queenslea Avenue (the first house Wallace built). Peter Swanek lives at 172 Queenslea Avenue, and Dennis Swanek and his family lives at 82 Portage. Larry and Rosemary Swanek run a successful business at 222 Pellatt Avenue.
The Swanek name has been a part of this community for close to seventy years.
Conclusions:
The Department recommends that the name of Gary Park be changed to Wallace C. Swanek Park to recognize the contribution Mr. Swanek has made to the Pelmo community.
Contact Name:
Gary W. Stoner
Deputy Commissioner
Parks and Recreation
Telephone: 395-6190 Fax: 395-0105
E-mail: gwstoner@north-york.on.ca
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The North York Community Council reports having also had before it the following communications in support of the renaming of the park:
(i) (February 18, 1998) from E. Ferguson, President, Weston Historical Society;
(ii) (February 16, 1998) from Mr. John Kiru, Weston Business Improvement Area;
(iii) Ms. Hilda Pittioni, Treasurer, Club Pelmo Italiano;
(iv) C.K. and Eileen Cruickshank; and
(v) Petition containing 35 signatures.
(A copy of Appendix 1 referred to in the foregoing report is on file in the office of the City Clerk, North York Civic Centre.)
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