Kasia Dietz
Updated on: October 11, 2024 8:40 am GMT
After two and a half years of development and construction, Leslie Lookout Park is poised to officially open to the public on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Located in Toronto’s Port Lands, this new waterfront park occupies a two-acre site that was previously home to a construction equipment rental business. The park promises to provide residents and visitors a refreshing green space along the water’s edge.
Park Features and Design
Leslie Lookout Park boasts several amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience. A significant portion of the park is designated as an urban beach, which is positioned near the industrial ship channel. Visitors will find a variety of seating options throughout the area, including Muskoka chairs, benches, and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisure.
Vic Gupta, CEO of CreateTO, the municipal agency responsible for park development, noted the challenges faced in transforming an active industrial site into a recreational space. “Anytime that you’re building in what is already an active industrial area … construction of itself was challenging,” he stated. The project required careful management of soil conditions and the restoration of crumbling dock walls.
Throughout the park, approximately 5,000 plants and trees represent 45 different species, many adapted to thrive in Toronto’s changing climate. Heather Schibli, a landscape architect involved in the project, explained that the vegetation was based on the plant community found in Point Pelee National Park, which is recognized for its ecological significance. “We identified the ideal climactic zone to reference that will be predicted for Toronto in the next 70 to 100 years,” Schibli said.
Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability was a key consideration in the park’s design. Gupta emphasized that features, such as porous asphalt, were included to enhance stormwater management. “It’s off of the system, so it sort of stands on its own in terms of its stormwater management,” he said, highlighting measures taken to mitigate flooding risks during heavy rains.
The use of native plant species also contributes to the park’s ecological benefits. Some trees, resilient against threats from pests like the emerald ash borer, were sourced through Kayanase, a nursery affiliated with the Six Nations of the Grand River. This collaboration underscores the project’s commitment to incorporating traditional ecological knowledge alongside contemporary scientific practices.
Leslie Lookout Park features an urban beach and various amenities aimed at enhancing visitor experience.
Lookout Tower: A Central Attraction
A standout feature of the park is the 44-foot-tall, fully accessible concrete lookout tower. Pat Hanson, founding partner and creative director of landscape architecture firm Gh3, explained that the tower was designed to offer an elevated view of the surrounding area. “There was an opportunity for a long view to be elevated … this is where the synergy between the architecture and the landscape comes in,” she said.
The design of the tower incorporates elements inspired by nearby industrial structures. Each of its four openings is oriented toward the cardinal directions, reflecting Indigenous cultural practices that emphasize the significance of wind directions in understanding local climates.
Future Developments in the Port Lands
Looking ahead, officials are optimistic about the potential for continued development in the Port Lands. As part of an ongoing redevelopment initiative, there are plans to enhance the eastern edge of the area, transforming it into a more natural environment. “We want to continue this green corridor to Tommy Thompson Park and make it a real amenity for everybody,” Gupta noted, highlighting ambitions for a more sustainable and accessible waterfront.
Grand Opening Celebration
To commemorate the opening of Leslie Lookout Park, a celebration will take place from 12 PM to 3 PM on Saturday, featuring family-friendly activities including live music, sand sculpting, and face painting. Officials will also deliver speeches ahead of the park’s formal opening.
CreateTO has encouraged community participation in the event, which serves to showcase the achievements of local partnerships and the collaborative efforts that have brought the park to fruition. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the park’s features and learn more about its design and ecological significance.
Leslie Lookout Park is now open, and it’s a big step for making Toronto’s waterfront better! This park gives people a nice green space to enjoy, and it focuses on being friendly to the environment and bringing the community together. Now that everyone can visit, the park will be a great place for both locals and visitors to take in the city’s beautiful nature.
