Unique Etobicoke park revitalization nears completion

An Etobicoke Park is in the final stages of a unique revitalization project.

MABELLEpark was co-created with the local community, which is predominantly racialized. 

A non-profit group called MABELLEarts that's leading the project says it's the first park in the country designed by and for a low-income community.

"What you're going to see here is the dreams of a lot of people," said Leah Houston, executive director and founder of the organization.

"It's also an invitation to bring what you want to see here. Part of the idea is this park will never be finished. It's meant to be returned to again and again to leave your mark."

There is still some construction underway, but Houston says the final vision is close to completion. The organization broke ground on the transformation project last June — a vision that had been in the making for more than 14 years.

Houston says the original park was a critically important place for people who live on Mabelle Avenue for years. MABELLEarts had the idea back in 2007 to bring the community closer together through art.

"And we wanted to supercharge that idea by adding a physical place in the equation," Houston said.

The transformed space will include a ceremonial fire pit created by a Métis artist, a community fountain, a series of community tables as well as a public art facility called The Belle that will house programming and performances.

"We are a pocket that, for many reasons, has been neglected," Houston said, adding the organization believes the park will become a critical spot for all kinds of neighbourhood needs, especially for the low-income and underserved community surrounding the space.

"I am excited for joy. I feel like this is the place in the community where joy will continue to blossom and that will guide what we continue to do," Houston said.

A public launch is scheduled for Oct. 5 at 2 p.m., with Nuit Blanche programming expected in the evening.