It’s truly invigorating when urban areas can be revitalized to breathe new life into a neighbourhood. This is even more true when something decidedly urban- say a parking lot- can be transformed into green leisure space, adding both beauty and opportunity right in the urban streetscape.
That’s what is happening at the Wellesley Street Park, at the corner of Yonge Street and Wellesley Street East – directly across from the Wellesley Subway Station.
There are plans underway to convert what is now a parking lot into a 3900 square meter park (which, for context, is slightly smaller than a junior soccer field.)
The project is still in its early phases, with community consultation and hiring of design teams ongoing through the next year or so, with construction set to begin in 2027, completed in 2028.
What’s interesting about this park is not only that it is elevating urban space in the name of greenery, but that it is a project intended to actively engage stakeholders across the community in the design and development of the park. Not only is feedback invited, it is encouraged and welcomed. It’s designated as what is called a “collaborate project”, based on the International Association of Public Participation spectrum.
The advisory committee will be formed by civic lottery to ensure impartial and fair representation from the community.
This green space will be what is known as a linear park. Its name comes from its shape, longer than wide. Linear parks are common in urban centres because of land configuration and availability. Often, a linear park runs along shoreways, highways, rail lines, or highways, or – in some communities – serves as a connection between other green spaces. This proposed park is one of a series of linear parks that run parallel and east of Yonge Street – being George Hislop Park, Norman Jewison Park and Alexander Street Parkette in conjunction with James Canning Gardens.
The linear design is the best use of available space, to let the most people at the most time benefit from the space, given its shape and size. It’s located right across from the Wellesley Subway station, so getting there is quick and easy.
Check out some more background information on this exciting project! This Toronto Star article offers an interesting backstory on linear park design: “Toronto’s New Linear Parks Stretch The Idea Of What — And Where — A Public Space Can Be“.
Ever since the pandemic, ‘easy access to green space’ seems to have climbed up most prospective homebuyers’ wish lists. Indeed, green space in proximity to a dwelling can often increase its value – and certainly improve the view! The listing we just sold at 25 Maitland Street will soon have a park view, once the city turns the Green P into a linear park. Who doesn’t love a park view?!
We call it: Swizzle & Shake At The Cosmopolitan Condo Near Yonge & Wellesley Street East, NOW SOLD!
