Etobicoke park co-created by local community opens to public

An Etobicoke park celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, following the conclusion of a unique community-involved park revitalization project. 

The project was led by MABELLEarts, a non-profit group and designed by LGA Architectural Partners. The revitalized MABELLEpark is the first park in the country to be designed with the direct input of a low-income, racialized community, the group said in a media advisory on Wednesday. 

"Everyone came together to make it happen because it was past due," said Leah Houston, executive director of MABELLEarts. 

Mabelle Avenue is a historically underserved neighbourhood, according to the MABELLEarts website. 

The park "is a vitally needed greenspace in a rapidly densifying neighbourhood," the group's website reads. 

More than 700 neighbours from Mabelle Avenue and beyond took part in the project, the website says. 

Park includes several art installations

MABELLEarts first came up with the idea of bringing the local community closer through art in 2007, Houston told CBC Toronto in August. 

The new park design is based on the following principles, MABELLEarts said: a place to connect with nature, a place to work, a place to build relationships and a place to give and receive care. 

Construction took a year and a half, the group said. 

The updated park includes a new public art facility, titled "The Belle," several art installations, a community garden and new accessible paths. 

Mayor Olivia Chow attended the opening ceremony on Saturday. 

"We know that we have the power to make things happen," Chow said. "With that kind of spirit, nothing will stop us." 

She added, "I will remember this moment, that feeling … that we can move mountains. You certainly have." 

Also speaking at the event, James Maloney, MP for Etobicoke Lakeshore, suggested to Chow that MABELLEpark be used as "a prototype for the entire City of Toronto." 

Lana Beals, who attended the opening ceremony, says the community needed the revitalization. 

"It was a terrible park before but this has elevated us and brings attention to the neighbourhood," Beals said. 

She said the park will offer culture and provide children "someplace to go and be creative."