Article content continued

“Most people who use the park feel that it is run down,” says Matthew Teitelbaum, chief executive of the AGO. “How can we create a park that isn’t going to look shopworn? We are dealing with a tired park that is a very rare piece of green space in downtown Toronto.”

On Thursday the AGO announced that W. Galen Weston, whose family firm controls Weston bakeries and Loblaws, among other assets, “has committed financial support to help restore and revitalize Grange Park.”

In a news release, Mr. Weston recalled that the park, “Is just steps away from the original Weston Bakery where my grandfather lived and worked both baking and delivering the bread.”

Mr. Teitelbaum says the new design, by Greg Smallenberg of the Vancouver firm PFS Studio, will include a playground, a “water feature,” improved paths and lighting and more seating.

“The plan is not to put a lot of stuff in the park. We are going to maintain it as a great green space.”

David Prendergast, executive director at University Settlement, said he is excited that the AGO has plans to put money into the park.

“The park is amazing,” he said. Once a year, in July, his group organizes Night With Us, when supporters raise money through pledges and camp out in tents in the park.

“The park needs to be updated and needs to become a focal point for the community,” says Mr. Prendergast, whose centre also welcomes 84 homeless people to sleep here on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as part of Out of the Cold. “With all the condos there is less and less green space.”

He adds, “the AGO is being very good at making sure that St. George the Martyr [the local church], OCAD and University Settlement are involved. I really like the inclusiveness and it fits with University Settlement and all the people that come and use our centre.”

National Post

• Email: pkuitenbrouwer@nationalpost.com | Twitter: pkuitenbrouwer