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The ongoing development of ELAD Canada’s Emerald City neighbourhood in North York continues to add new density to the area southeast of Sheppard Avenue and Don Mils Road. With three new towers already built and new phases promising future growth, the already busy larger neighbourhood known as Parkway Forest now boasts a brand new community centre. With the a neighbourhood consisting primarily of mid-20th century apartment towers which lack the services and amenities, the new Diamond Schmitt Architects-designed centre will provide the space necessary for all the activities neighbourhoods need to build a strong community.
To celebrate the official opening this weekend of the facility, Ward 33 Don Valley East Councillor Shelley Carroll was joined by Don Valley East MPP and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Coteau, along with City staff and members of the community. Following remarks and the ribbon-cutting ceremony, activities and entertainment to highlight the programmed event capabilities of the spaces were presented. "It's exciting to celebrate the grand opening of this facility, which will provide the community and its youth with a place to come and learn, be active and connect with one another for years to come," said Councillor Carroll.
Developed by ELAD Canada as part of a Section 37 agreement with the City of Toronto, the fully-accessible 4,650-square-metre (50,000-square-foot) building offers a wealth of community amenity spaces.
They include a full-size gymnasium, a youth space, a preschool room, a teaching kitchen, a teaching garden with adjoining green roof, a weight room, a fitness/dance studio, a walking track, a YMCA Child Care Centre, and other community services and amenities that will be of use to the locals.
A number of registered and drop-in programs will be offered at the new community centre, catering to a variety of age groups, with Fall 2015/winter 2016 drop-in and registered programs now listed in the North York District Fun Guide.
The community centre also features a prominent public art contribution designed by Canadian author and visual artist Douglas Coupland. Sharing design elements with the nearby Coupland-designed Four Seasons installation at ELAD's Emerald City development, the tall multicoloured cylinder functions as a beacon marking the entrance point to the community centre, and serves as a warm and happy greeting for those arriving.
Additional information and renderings for the Parkway Forest Community Centre and the Emerald City community can be found in the dataBase files linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment using the space provided at the bottom of this page.
