From the above consultation presentation:
(example pictures, not renders)
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First thought.........Too many 'Big Moves' for Too small a space! Over-programming.............Edit required.
Second thought, some of these moves directly contradict each other.
Substantial retention of most trees serves to obstruct visual permeability (I want to keep most of the trees,but you can't do both); likewise, lots of seating and horticultural beds is inconsistent with flexible space.
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Here..........freebies for the designers. (yes, I will submit comments)
Lets look at the park from the north using streetview:
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Trees at the west side of the park (beside Market Square) are in the best condition, these should be prioritized for retention.
Followed by some trees on the east side.
Trees in the centre should be removed, they hinder flexible use, visual permeability and and add little value.
Paving treatment should mirror Market Street to the south, providing a visual link to the street of which it is historically, a part.
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Park light fixtures should be the area standard Victorian Lamps, as these link the park to Market Street and St. James Park to the north which both use these fixtures. (good excuse to buy extra so hydro can't say they don't have spares!)
Horticultural/First Nations ideas can be combined, where new open planters are created around trees.
Ostrich Ferns would grow well here, look attractive and are 'fiddleheads' which is certainly a popular market item in spring.
There is largely insufficient sun to grow any type of 'crop' plants, I would tend to steer clear of this idea at this location.
But......with a replacement water feature at Front Street, where the sun is most robust, it would be possible to encircle the fountain with Wild Blueberries (someone tell them not to use Toronto topsoil....wrong Ph level).
The berries could surround the fixture, with water around that, and seating at the perimeter. Intelligent use of space.
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If Market street is to go fully pedestrian, which I gather it may, the middle of the road here, at Front would be a good spot for a 'three sisters' set of planters.........subject to irrigation. (that would have to be replanted every year).
*opportunity*, tie any such planting to the group growing crops on school roofs, and selling the produce at Farmer's Markets. (three sisters refers to Corn, Beans and Squash, which grow together well)
Market Street is also better suited to performances, with all the patios, a wide open space (current road) and currently, no established trees to protect.
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- Hydronic snowmelt please, so we can eliminate salt-use here.
- Custom waste receptacles approved by the BIA here, not the ugly Parks monstrosities, and give them an intelligent, permanent location.....no random what staff feels like because its Tuesday.
- Keep King Street gateway simple, use low-maintenance, native plant display, with 4-season interest.
