Image courtesy of SLA
The design for the historic David Crombie Park in downtown Toronto, by Denmark-based SLA and Arcadis, has been unveiled after extensive public consultation.

For 40 years, David Crombie Park has been a significant landmark for the city?s historic St. Lawrence Market neighborhood. The park spans almost two hectares across seven blocks, making the revitalization one of the largest open space projects in the downtown City of Toronto over the last decade.
Following on public consultation completed during the planning stage of the project, SLA and Arcadis responded with a design that integrates Indigenous placekeeping as well as enhances the historic and culturally significant green space in the heart of Old Toronto.
?Taking cues from the original masterplan of the park, we opted for a quite humble and considerate approach. By studying the park?s history, usage, values, and importance to the local community, we proposed a three-stringed design strategy: To preserve, revitalize, and unite,? said Rasmus Astrup, senior partner and design principal at SLA and the project?s design lead.
SLA?s and Arcadis? design preserves the park?s character by maintaining as much of the existing structures and materials as possible, including keeping concrete walls, healthy trees, and sports courts.

Image courtesy of SLA

Image courtesy of SLA

A core component of the intent to revitalize the park was the decision to minimi...