![]() ![]() Previously a brownfield site dominated by the heavy grey concrete structures, densely planted areas along the edges and in the voids between the overpasses have transformed the site from grey to green. ![]() Essentially serving as “free for the taking” massive weather protection, the ceilings of the overpasses now invite year-round use and animation and allow activities such as basketball, roller hockey, and skateboarding to happen day and night and during inclement weather, something very familiar to Torontonians. The spatial framework and programming choices for Underpass Park was inspired by the rooms created by all of this relic- like transportation infrastructure. The 2.5 acre (1.05 hectare) park now serves as one of two key parks in the new community, linking Corktown Common, River Square and the two main development areas of the neighborhood - that are bisected by the overpasses- into a lively and complete community in Toronto’s eastern downtown.Ĭompletely transformed, the success of the project nonetheless lay in the recognition of the latent potential found in the existing supporting structure, its repetitious - almost hypnotic – grid of heavy columns and beams and the varied pockets of open space that resulted from the road geometries above. Largely ignored or avoided by the general public, the existing site was forlorn and even dangerous space used for informal parking, illegal activities and little else. The existing conditions on site were those commonly found in these forgotten spaces. These spaces are often forgotten and derelict, contributing little to no value to the communities within which they are found.Īs part of Waterfront Toronto’s extensive revitalization efforts of former industrial lands into the new West Don Lands neighborhood, an opportunity was seized to take an incidental, neglected space located below the Eastern Ave, Richmond, and Adelaide Street overpasses, and to transform it from a liability into a community asset. It is not often that one considers what lies below the elevated transportation networks that crisscross through many North American cities. At a time when urban open-space resources continue to dwindle, and city populations and densities increase, taking advantage of unexpected opportunities, such as the underbelly of an overpass, has proven to be both visionary and essential for the overall health and vibrancy of this area of the city. It serves to link Corktown Common, River Square and the neighborhoods of both sides of the overpass complex through the provision of safe and animated public realm design. This unique public space is part of Waterfront Toronto’s revitalization efforts of the celebrated new West Don Lands neighborhood. Located beneath a complex of existing highway overpasses in Toronto’s downtown, an otherwise forgotten and derelict remnant has been transformed into an active public park providing diverse recreational and social opportunities while connecting new and existing local neighborhoods and nearby parks. Underpass Park is a highly imaginative public space in a rather unexpected place.
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