THE UNEXPECTED AT UNDERPASS PARK

Beyond Tradition | Erika Serodio

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As the second wave case numbers climb all around me, I’m feeling more anxious about the upcoming winter that will largely be spent at home. I am not ready to be kept inside. Finding destinations and things to do where we feel both safe and excited is going to get harder. It’s a relief to see that Toronto museums have so far remained open, but it feels like we are all holding our breath. 

Farmers Market at Underpass Park | Source

Last night, the final farmers market of the season took place at Underpass Park, another sign of the end of the outdoor season. However, this unexpected outdoor art space will remain open. I have biked through Underpass Park once before, but I have not yet stopped to take it all in. I’ve been saving it, placed a bookmark on its page, for a day when I’m in need of inspiration and my indoor worlds have closed. I recommend you do the same.

Underpass Park by Rick Harris | Source

Underpass Park officially opened in Toronto in 2012. Before then, it was simply the space below the Eastern Ave, Richmond, and Adelaide Street overpasses. The 2.5 acre park was designed by Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg with the Planning Partnership as a project of Waterfront Toronto. The main intention of the project was to transform a derelict space into an active community hub. Since its inception, Underpass Park has hosted performances, skateboarding events, music videos, and dance routines. In 2016, the American Society of Landscape Architects recognized the achievements of the Underpass Park project with their Award of Excellence.

Mirage by Paul Raff | Source

In their design, the existing structure of the underpass was reimagined with specific lighting and artworks integrated throughout the site. The addition of programmed LED lights brightens the space in artistic ways while also providing a safer night time experience in the park. A notable artwork in the park is that of Toronto artist and architect, Paul Raff. His piece, titled Mirage, is made of 57 mirror-like panels suspended from the underside of the overpass. The public can interact with the piece by playing with their own hovering reflections. The ceilings created by the overpasses are unexpected places for art, but they also act as weather protection for the entire site. Graffiti is encouraged on the pillars throughout the park, but this is just one of the many ways that the site invites users to participate in the creation of public space.