Grange Park Revitalization

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Heritage Grange ParkThis project is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between the AGO, the City of Toronto, and the local community. It is being overseen by the Grange park Advisory Committee (GPAC), comprised of representatives from the AGO, City of Toronto, Grange Community Association, OCAD University, St. George the Martyr Church, and University Settlement. Our wok has progressed over the past six months, and I am pleased to share these updated designs with you: What is the Vision for Grange Park?

  • The vision for Grange Park is to make it green, strikingly beautiful, resilient, sustainable and accessible.
  • We will do this while respecting the existing layout of Grange Park:   natural and pastoral area on the west side, great lawn in the centre, and children’s play area on the east side

What can we expect to see in the revitalized Grange Park?

  • Trees: by the end of the project we will have even more trees in Grange Park – more than 170 trees, compared to the existing 127
  • A more open and welcoming design:  fencing along the north, east and west sides will be removed. Grange Park will be open to OCAD U’s existing Butterfield Park
  • New AGO south entry for visitors:  the existing south entry in the AGO will be open during public hours for free access to and from the Weston Family Learning Centre (but does not provide free admission to the galleries). It will not be used as a ticketed entrance or an entrance for groups
  • Play area: the play area will be expanded to run the entire east side and will have equipment for toddlers, young children and youth to enjoy
  • Water features: the current wading pool will be replaced by more modern splash pads
  • Lighting: will be upgraded to improve safety at night
  • Seating: more seating, more picnic tables
  • Accessibility: the park design, seating and play equipment will comply with the Design of Public Spaces Standard for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

When will work start?

  • Weather permitting, we anticipate some (old)tree removal after the first heavy frost this winter

For more information about the project, go to http://grangeparktoronto.ca This site will be regularly updated as the project progresses.