Cyclists, pedestrians included in new Coronation Park plans

Improvements will be underway this summer to Coronation Park, just west of the Bathurst Quay neighbourhood.

The city has set aside capital funding of $350,000 for the work to include planting Silver Maples, restoring tree plaques and original pathways.

It also includes installing new benches, better lighting for the off-leash dog area and signage to explain the park’s history for which Heritage Toronto will write the text.

In June, city parks staff explained the work to a small gathering of residents at Fort York’s Visitors Centre.

Residents were asked to review concept plans, identify what they liked and offer opinions.

Improvements totaling $600,000—in the parks department’s 2015/2016 capital budget—are also in store for the north and south ends of Stadium Road Park tucked in between Coronation Park and the Quay.

Coronation Park began with the construction of a seawall in 1935 between Bathurst and Strachan Ave. It was a make-work project for the Great Depression’s unemployed.

Park trees that commemorate Canada’s WWI servicemen were planted by school children and veterans.

The Martin Goodman bicycle path that loops around HMCS York will likely be extended a bit over the lake where it crosses from the naval reserve into Stadium Road Park. Federal government approval is needed because of its proximity to the reserve.

Right now that section is a tight curve for cyclists. Landscape architect Netami Stuart called it a “pinch point.” A resident said easing the curve would let cyclists go faster in an area pedestrians also use.

“Cyclists have a tendency to be aggressive,” the resident said.

Improvements to the sidewalk along Lake Shore Blvd., repaving the water’s edge promenade and restorative work to the seawall are slated for 2015/2016.

Goals for Stadium Road Park include increasing opportunities to view the lake by thinning and pruning poplar trees adjacent to the lake and improving accessibility to both ends of the park. A sidewalk and curb are planned for Stadium Road’s west side.

One idea by designers is to add fitness equipment for all ages and abilities and possibly concrete ping-pong tables. There’s also thought of putting in elongated picnic tables and a small stage.

A woman worried about noise coming from the stage that’s suggested for the park’s south end.

“It’s small, not big,” said Stuart, suggesting noise wouldn’t bother the neighbourhood.