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Superstar
The survey on MARKET LANE PARK is now open. Not very well constructed survey, in my opinion, but ... https://www.toronto.ca/city-governm...-redevelopment/market-lane-park-improvements/
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The survey on MARKET LANE PARK is now open. Not very well constructed survey, in my opinion, but ... https://www.toronto.ca/city-governm...-redevelopment/market-lane-park-improvements/
That was my first thought on option 3. It's neat, but I can picture how quickly some pseudo-wave pond would turn into a stagnant water pool filled with bits of trash, and in this City it would "temporarily" shut down for 18-months for repair, and then probably removed anyway.In respect of Market Lane Park, there is a Workshop Presentation, which I will link below; and I am posting some highlights (not comprehensive)
Link: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/u...vements-workshop-presentation-nov-18-2021.pdf
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Commentary from me:
I think option 1 is best; it uses the paving and lighting treatments of Market Street to the south; and takes seating and other cues from Berczy.
Its practical, and maintainable.
My only real concern is the water feature; that said, I would be concerned about that in all three. My primary concern is maintainability. Equipment flush with grade will be susceptible to salt damage and lots of wear and tear.
Still, on balance, the best option.
Option 2 is least appealing; as it doesn't really fit into anything and doesn't really pay that back with some extraordinary either.
Option 3 has potential, but the water feature looks even more problematic, and less appealing. The paving surface is ahistorical and visually unappealing, has been used elsewhere with a less than stellar record.
In other walkable cities (Rome for example) it's relatively easy and free to get drinking water just walking around, and that's definitely something I'd like to see in Toronto where possible.
1. It smells like piss because people piss there.I walk through Market Lane almost everyday. My main concerns: it smells like piss; it's dark day and night; it's forlorn
Another thought: I don't understand the attachment people have to the current trees. To me, they're mediocre at best and I'd certainly be open to replacing / re-thinking them. That said, here's my feedback:
Option 1--It's safe to a fault. There's no ambition here. I wonder if the space would be changed appreciably from what it is now.
Option 2--I like it. I'm drawn to this one. It has a good chance of actually transforming the experience of the place. I'd remove some of the smaller elements that might encourage more of the social ills already plaguing the park. I like the mister at the south end.
Option 3--Nope. I don't get it anyway.
I walk through Market Lane almost everyday. My main concerns: it smells like piss; it's dark day and night; it's forlorn
I don't understand the attachment people have to the current trees. To me, they're mediocre at best and I'd certainly be open to replacing / re-thinking them.
That said, here's my feedback:
Option 1--It's safe to a fault. There's no ambition here. I wonder if the space would be changed appreciably from what it is now.
I don't have any hesitation walking through as a lone woman, so I haven't noticed that it seems dark or intimidating. It's wide enough that I don't feel like it is enclosed or isolated. And the people don't strike me as more concerning than those I might see on Front or Queen or Sherbourne. Is there any feature that could be added in the lane or in one of the adjacent buildings that would make your wife feel more secure?There's obviously nothing in Market Lane right now to draw people there, but I don't mind it as a shortcut between the market and St. James, though. But my wife would never agree to walk through, no matter what time of day.
MehIt is safe; I also think its sound. This is not a large space that lends itself to huge gatherings, a range of programming or the link; its literally the right-of-way of a narrow street for one short block.
I don't find it dark and intimidating. I find it dark and depressing.I don't have any hesitation walking through as a lone woman, so I haven't noticed that it seems dark or intimidating. It's wide enough that I don't feel like it is enclosed or isolated. And the people don't strike me as more concerning than those I might see on Front or Queen or Sherbourne. Is there any feature that could be added in the lane or in one of the adjacent buildings that would make your wife feel more secure?