Toronto residents now have a brand new spot to enjoy the outdoors!
The City of Toronto revealed on their socials this Tuesday that Crosstown Park South, a 3,120 square meter green space at the northwest corner of Eglinton Avenue and Don Mills Road, is officially open and renamed Big Bear Park.
The new park space is designed to cater to both active play and quiet relaxation, featuring a children’s play area with slides and a multi-level structure, seating areas with picnic tables and shade, amphitheatre, pedestrian paths, and an open lawn.
As for the name, visitors will immediately notice a collection of bear statues found throughout the park, in addition to the massive bronze bear centerpiece revealed last month.
The installation, titled “Seated Bear With Friends,” was created by Dean Drever, a Haida First Nation artist and Toronto resident.
The star of the show is a giant, 5,670 kg bronze female Kodiak bear seated on a massive 23,500 kg granite chair, creating an instantly recognizable focal point for the publicly accessible plaza. Adorable smaller bears are also scattered throughout the new development.
Drever shared the inspiration behind the powerful piece, writing “With the awesome power of bears comes an equally awesome responsibility to power itself”.
“The sculpture is a reminder of sovereignty and what it means to have dominion over another. It gives the bear a seat at the table or a throne, ready to uphold the highest good of all.”
For those visiting with children, keep in mind that the children’s playground structure is currently off-limits as the developer completes the final safety touches. It is expected to open in December.