Welcome to this follow up to my feature on the Gooderham Building. This post explores Berczy Park, the space just west of the Flatiron Mural.

Berczy Park is a small, triangular park located at the cross-section of Front, Wellington and Scott streets in downtown Toronto. The park is named after William Berczy, an architect who played an instrumental role in the founding of the city of Toronto.

 

 

In the late 1800s and early 1900s the location was originally occupied by commercial buildings until it was transformed into a parking lot. In 1980, an earlier version of the park was constructed in the space. That park closed for renovations in 2015, and the existing space, designed by Quebec architect Claude Cormier, opened in June of 2017.

 

 

 

The park was designed to be a model for public spaces in urban environments, suitable for adults, children and pets alike.  It is comprised of patterned brick walkways, benches, flower beds, green spaces and artwork throughout, making it an ideal public meeting place.

 

 

 

The eastern end of the park houses the famous mural by Canadian artist Derek Michael Besant as well as public benches and picnic tables. Immediately below the mural is a pea-stone based area that serves as a space for dogs to answer the call of nature.

 

 

 

Amid the green space at the western end is Jacob’s Ladder, a public art installation that doubles as a play structure for children.  It was designed by Toronto artist Luis Jacob and installed in late 2017.

 

 

 

Personally, I enjoy Berczy Park because it’s a great place for people and pet-watching, with the surrounding historical buildings adding to the overall ambience of the space.

 

 

 

Apart from the mural, the most notable attraction at the park is the centrally-located fountain – but that’s the topic of an upcoming blog!  Please come back next week to read about it!

 

 

Until then, I’d appreciate hearing what you liked about about this post! As well, I’d love to see any great shots you have of Berczy Park!

 

COMING SOON:  The final instalment in my “How To” series on how I created my Flatiron Mural Lens Ball shot, focusing on my editing process. If you haven’t read the first two blogs, please take a look!

 

Don’t forget to click like and recommend Jonathon C Photography to your friends or someone you know who may find it interesting.

 

Finally, please follow jonathoncphotography.com so you can always be first to hear about all the new content that I post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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