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Tom Anselmi, president and CEO of MLSE, said the project gives athletic space to youth who may not have the opportunity to get involved otherwise.

“It’s projects like this that allow us to step up and do what we’re obligated to do,” he said. “It’s going to give the community a real opportunity to play.”

It’s projects like this that allow us to step up and do what we’re obligated to do

Another part of the overall revitalization is the closing of Regent Park/Duke of York Public School and the transfer of its students to the new Nelson Mandela Park Public School set to open January 7, 2013. Students were expected to be in their new classrooms this year, but there were construction delays.

“I’m really excited that the kids are going to get a space that they really deserve,” said Principal Nicole Pearson. “I think it’s just going to be a beautiful space.”

Regent Park, a 69-acre parcel bound by Gerrard, Shuter, River and Parliament streets in the east side of downtown, is one of the oldest social housing projects in Canada. Ms. McConnell said the area became, “an island unto itself. A place where no one got out of, and a place where no one came into.” But she said the revitalization will change that.

After the announcement, students from the public school ran ball hockey and basketball drills on the hockey rink’s concrete surface.

Jasmin Wong, a grade five student and Regent Park resident, said she was looking forward to her new school and the athletic grounds.

Asked how much time she plans to spend on the brand new field, she replied “A lot,” before breaking into a shy smile.

Also on hand for the announcement were representatives of Toronto Community Housing and building partner The Daniels Corporation.

National Post

sdelgiallo@nationalpost.com