Corktown Common Summer Wind Down

A view of Corktown Common's marsh area with the central lawn and the pavilion in the distance.
 

POSTED: SEPTEMBER  16, 2014 I DESIGN, PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES, INNOVATION, INFRASTRUCTURE
BY: TARI STORK AND MEGHAN HOGAN

This summer, Waterfront Toronto officially opened Corktown Common. Two tremendously successful events celebrated this vibrant and inviting destination park in the heart of the emerging West Don Lands.

On July 10th, we were joined by government partners, media and hundreds of community members for an official ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a community picnic hosted with development partners Dundee Kilmer and Urban Capital. The community portion was a huge hit, with families, friends, and neighbours hanging out on the lawns, hills and splash pad enjoying live music, free food and lots of giveaways. A special thank you to our development partners Dundee Kilmer and Urban Capital for generously providing the food and entertainment.

If you happened to miss the big event – don’t fret! The official video of the day’s festivities includes event highlights and gives you the opportunity to learn how this park has transformed the West Don Lands neighbourhood. Check out the video here.

Summer isn’t officially over until the air turns crisp, so you still have time to enjoy the splash pad at Corktown Common. The splash pad will be open daily until September 26th, when it closes for the season. If you haven’t yet explored Corktown Common, be sure to visit throughout the fall to enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline and the beautiful fall colours in the park. If you prefer a winter landscape, wait until after the first snowfall when the park is just as beautiful with snow glistening off the trees. Bring your toboggan and a thermos of hot chocolate to take in the gorgeous scenery.

Visit often before the park closes for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. While not part of the Athletes’ Village, Corktown Common will be within the secure zone and will be used by the athletes and officials as a place to rest, relax and train while participating in the Games. It is expected that the park will close in June 2015 and reopen to the public in late summer following the Parapan Am Games.