Earl Bales Park
Location: 4169 Bathurst Street, North York, Ontario
Client: City of Toronto
Project Start Date: 2009
Project End Date: 2011
Project Type:
Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Water Play
About the Project
As the result of a substantial private donation, in the fall of 2009 The MBTW Group was retained by the City of Toronto to design, lead the public facilitation, prepare construction/working drawings and provide construction administration services for a sensory garden and water play area located within the larger Earl Bales Park. The intent for this “park within a park” was to design a unique space for children of all abilities.
The garden spaces were designed in collaboration with Visionscapes and were specifically crafted for children with special needs to explore all 7 senses. Not only were the conventional 5 senses of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste explored but the park was intentionally designed to integrate elements for both vestibular and kinesthetic/propriosthetic stimulation.
Total accessibility was seamlessly integrated throughout the site design ensuring that design interventions would be imperceptible to any visitor and as such, would not marginalize those with special needs. In addition, thought and care was also taken to incorporate elements geared to the needs and interests of children with autism.
Design elements and areas within the park not only include the Sensory Garden but also include areas of retreat such as "The Nest" and the "Aspen Grove", as well as open gathering areas such as the "Green". Active elements include the Water Play, Music Garden, Hand Pump and Water Trough. The backdrop for the water play area consists of a series of colourful tubes and water jet columns that were designed to look like colourful crayons linking the edge of the place space. Water columns, spray and misting jets are further enhanced by nature sounds when activated. Specially designed stools, benches, seating platforms, shade umbrellas and a pedestrian bridge complement the main play areas.
Services:
Accessibility and Risk Assessment
Arboriculture
Contract Administration
Landscape Architecture
Parks and Recreation
Project Management
Public & Stakeholder Consultation
