Vermont Square Park

Vermont Square Park is an active community park in downtown Toronto. The park setting includes street frontage, an open field, a playground, and two recreational buildings. The revitalization project was designed to create high-quality, innovative, and accessible public gathering spaces within and around the edges of the park, whilst strengthening the site’s relationship to adjacent buildings and streets. Our work involved the re-design of the playground, tree canopy restoration, and the design of a perimeter walk that presents a stronger, more welcoming street presence. It also involved the design of an Art Bench which has come to serve as the backbone of the park, acting as both fence between the playground and the dogs, and as social convener. The armrests will be filled with laser-cut artwork designed in collaboration with the community. The design improves lawn space, ensures tree health, and increases public access while maintaining child safety through increased visibility and after-dark lighting.