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The residents of Toronto’s growing East Bayfront district just got a brand new public park. Quietly opened over the weekend, the new Aitken Place Park just east of Sherbourne and south of Queens Quay now offers a 0.3-hectare (0.75-acre) public space alongside the popular Water’s Edge Promenade that links destinations along the waterfront.
Developed by Waterfront Toronto, the Scott Torrance Landscape Architect and Thomas Balsley Associates-designed park had been targeted to open at the end of September, though delays pushed the opening back slightly to early October. Images of the site on Friday show that the park had yet to open, with the park space cordoned off and crews busy at work on finishing touches for the surrounding public realm.
Yesterday, all fences had been removed and the first photos captured by park-goers began to appear in our Forum thread for the project. Visitors to the new park will find an elevated landform with a slope capable of hosting tobogganing in the winter.
The landform features a seating area with lake views at the top, a descending zigzagging trail, and an “urban porch” with swivel lounge chairs at the park’s southern edge. The park features a garden promenade, a tree-covered promenade with multi-use seating, children’s play equipment, and a dog relief area.
While largely complete, one significant element of the park is still awaiting installation: foundations have been poured for a future public art installation called LIGHT KEEPER by the Calgary-based artist team of Caitlind Brown, Wayne Garrett, and Studio North. The installation will project waves of rainbow light and a moon clock that respond to lunar cycles and the wind. Set to be installed later this fall, the location of the art is currently occupied by a plywood box.
Additional information and images can be found in our Database file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment below.
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