Marilyn Bell Park
Improvements to this key green space in the heart of Toronto’s western beaches included building trails and green spaces.
Located just west of Exhibition Place and following the shoreline of Lake Ontario, the improved Marilyn Bell Park is a fabulous green space right in the heart of Toronto’s western beaches. Designed by landscape architectural firm Victor Ford and Associates Inc. and opened to the public in 2006 and 2007, improvements to the park included a new multi-use trail, new promenades and viewing platforms.
The first phase of the project was the development of a new multi-use by-pass trail and it was completed in the spring of 2006. The 4.5 metre wide multi-use asphalt trail runs along the northern edge of the park adjacent to Lake Shore Boulevard. The by-pass trail is approximately 810 metres long and is flanked by large shade trees.
Quick Facts
During the second phase of the project, completed in August 2006, what was once a road next to the lake was transformed into a car-free dedicated trail. The improvements to the 750 metres long Marilyn Bell Park Promenade included the creation of a 5.5 metre wide asphalt multi-use trail and a connecting trail to the by-pass trail. It also incorporated a 4.5 metre wide concrete paver promenade, an ipe wood boardwalk and viewing platform, pedestrian scale lighting, seating areas, tree planting, bold grass and perennial plantings.
The final phase of the project included the construction of Exhibition Place Trail along Lake Shore Boulevard, a 4.5 metre wide asphalt trail, plus improvements to the existing Bailey Bridge, removal of the chain link fencing along Lake Shore Boulevard and extensive shade tree plantings. The construction of the 370 metre long trail was completed in 2007.
From the Archives: Marilyn Bell Park
Two Waterfront Toronto projects recognized with Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Awards
Waterfront Trail Public Forum - November 23, 2005