UNDERPASS PARK
Toronto, ON

Underpass Park is the most extensive park to be built under an overpass in Canada, and the first-ever in Toronto. The Planning Partnership worked closely with PFS Studio to revive the underused area and make Underpass Park part of Waterfront Toronto’s Stage 1 LEED Gold Neighbourhood Development (ND) pilot program. It integrates sustainability best practices such as energy-efficient LED lighting; drought, salt, and shade-tolerant planting for minimal maintenance and irrigation; recycled material on play surfaces, and the reuse of historical granite cobblestones excavated within the area.

Approximately half of the park is covered by the overpass. The design program for this area includes two basketball half-courts, an extensive skatepark featuring a series of obstacles, rails, and ledges, and

flexible open space for programming or community events. The playground is located in the middle section of the park, features a teeter-totter, hopscotch, 4-square, swings, and playful climbing structures for all ages. It also includes a series of ribbon walls and park benches, and flexible community space that can be used for markets, festivals, and seasonal public events.

The remainder of the park is uncovered and provides green space to the park. It integrates a dense grove of salt and drought-resistant trees, grass and other plantings that add a natural element to the park and the area. Finally, recreational and open space amenities are enriched by public art installations that meet the overarching public art strategy for the West Don Lands.