Toronto officially embraces the trash panda with new Raccoon Park
Toronto officially opened on Tuesday a new midtown park named after a critter much loved in the city despite its late-night raiding of garbage cans.
Raccoon Park is located at 86 Soudan Ave., in the Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue East area. It features a playground, grassy areas, a splash pad and a large raccoon head and tail — an homage to the trash pandas that call the city home.
Coun. Josh Matlow, who represents Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul’s, was on hand to cut the ribbon at its official opening on Tuesday evening.
Matlow said in an interview before that the park not only celebrates raccoons, it also celebrates the local community.
“I know that not everyone is wild about the raccoons, but this is our way of signing a peace accord, saying we celebrate Toronto’s icon, but most importantly, have a little fun with it,” he said.
“If any raccoon does come to this park, they will be safe. They do have safe harbour here at Raccoon Park,” he added.
Matlow said the surrounding community is growing and needs more housing, schools, infrastructure, child care and parks.
‘All about community,’ lead designer says
David Pantaleo, an associate and landscape architect with O2 Planning + Design and the lead designer on the project, said the planning process took seven years. The city started building it last year, he said.
While the city wanted an animal theme, Pantaleo said he came up with the idea of a raccoon focus.
Pantaleo said the community wanted a space for children to play that was whimsical, fun and safe. Children were included in the community consultation, he added.
“This was all about community,” Pantaleo said.
CBC Toronto’s Adrian Cheung digs into why “trash pandas” are the city’s unofficial mascot — and why they thrive here.
He said the surrounding community has an old established neighbourhood and a new modern and more recently built community.
“We want this to kind of be that hub that brought both communities together, both new and established, and so we’re mixing older style materials, being natural, in with a little bit more of a contemporary approach,” he said.
Matlow said city wanted to be playful in naming the park. The mammals have “adapted well to city life,” the city says on its website.
“The raccoon is an iconic animal in Toronto,” Matlow said. “Love them or hate them, they’re here. We share the city with them.”
View original article here Source
Queen Size 4 Piece Sheet Set - Comfy Breathable & Cooling Sheets - Hotel Luxury Bed Sheets for Women & Men…
$29.99 (as of October 17, 2024 11:04 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports and Travel, BPA-Free, 24-oz, Shy…
$37.99 (as of October 17, 2024 11:04 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Yes4All Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weight Sets of 2 - Multiple Weight Options with 15 Colors, Hexagon Shape,…
$36.55 (as of October 17, 2024 11:04 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Q-tips Cotton Swabs 1170 Count
$9.29 (as of October 17, 2024 11:04 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
CAMBIVO Knee Brace Support(2 Pack), Knee Compression Sleeve for Running, Hiking, Basketball, Arthritis, Meniscus…
$16.08 (as of October 17, 2024 11:04 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics High-Density Round Foam Roller for Exercise, Massage, Muscle Recovery - 12", 18", 24", 36"
$22.58 (as of October 17, 2024 11:04 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Rael Miracle Invisible Spot Cover - Absorbing Cover, Skin Care, Facial Stickers, 2 Sizes (96 Count)
$24.99 (as of October 17, 2024 11:04 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Gritin Resistance Bands, [Set of 5] Skin-Friendly Resistance Fitness Exercise Loop Bands with 5 Different Resistance…
$14.99 (as of October 17, 2024 11:04 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Utopia Bedding Queen Bed Sheets Set - 4 Piece Bedding - Soft Brushed Microfiber Fabric - Shrinkage & Fade Resistant…
$26.99 (as of October 17, 2024 11:04 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)