Discover Grange Park in Toronto
Located near the Frank Gehry-designed Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and adjacent to the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU), Grange Park is a two-hectare park where history, culture, and nature intertwine. With its sprawling lawns, tree-lined paths, and contemporary public art, Grange Park is a favorite destination for locals and visitors. Every day, approximately 5,000 people pass through Grange Park, engaging in a variety of activities such as tai chi, cycling, dog-walking, reading, and simply enjoying the outdoors.
The History of Grange Park
Grange Park traces its origins to the early 19th century when it was part of The Grange estate, a stately manor built in 1817 by D'Arcy Boulton Jr., a member of one of Toronto's most influential families. Originally serving as the front lawn of the estate, the park's elliptical carriage path remains a historical feature that hints at its aristocratic past.
In 1910, Harriet Boulton Smith, the last private owner of The Grange, bequeathed the estate to the newly established Art Museum of Toronto (now the Art Gallery of Ontario). A year later, an agreement was reached between the museum and the City of Toronto to designate the land south of The Grange as a public park. This arrangement remains in effect today.
The Grange Park Neighbourhood
Grange Park is not just a park—its a neighbourhood in downtown Toronto. Bounded by Spadina Avenue, College Street, University Avenue, and Queen Street West, the Grange Park neighbourhood is part of Toronto’s larger Kensington-Chinatown planning district. The area is known for its deep-rooted history, cultural scene, and strong artistic influences.
Originally an enclave for Toronto’s elite, Grange Park was home to grand mansions along Beverley Street, including residences of notable figures such as George Brown, a Father of Confederation, and William Lyon Mackenzie King’s family. The architectural heritage of the neighbourhood remains evident in the surviving Edwardian-style brick row houses.
By the early 20th century, the neighbourhood transitioned into a working-class community, welcoming waves of immigrants, particularly Jewish and Eastern European. Many of these immigrants established businesses, synagogues, and community institutions that shaped the area’s identity.
By the 1960s, the Jewish population had largely relocated, making way for Toronto’s growing Chinese community following the demolition of the city’s original Chinatown to make room for City Hall. Today, the Grange Park neighbourhood continues to be a cultural hub made up of Chinatown’s bustling markets, Baldwin Village’s eclectic restaurants, and Queen Street West’s thriving arts scene.
Renovations: Breathing New Life into Grange Park
By the early 2000s, Grange Park had seen better days. Urban wear and tear had dulled its former splendor until a passionate collective of local residents, city officials, and partners rallied to bring it back to life. In 2008, the Grange Park Advisory Committee (GPAC) was formed, setting the stage for a comprehensive revitalization plan.
A $15 Million Makeover
Fast-forward to July 2017, when a $15 million renovation project unveiled a reimagined Grange Park. Spearheaded by visionary landscape architect Greg Smallenberg of PFS Studio and executed with precision, the renovation introduced:
- Enhanced Green Spaces: Expanded lawns, new plantings, and an upgraded irrigation system to keep the park lush even during dry spells.
- Improved Play Areas: A creatively themed playground that sparks the imagination of children, split into zones tailored for different age groups.
- Modern Conveniences: New benches, picnic tables, upgraded public washrooms, and LED lighting throughout the park for added safety and ambience.
- Artistic Touches: Inscribed granite paving stones featuring thought-provoking quotations from celebrated Canadian figures, weaving community wisdom into the park’s very pathways.
- Upgraded Amenities: Interactive water features and decorative fountains that make the park a fun and refreshing destination on even the hottest days.
Grange Park Features
Post renovations, let’s take a closer look at some of the new features inside Grange Park:
Sculptures and Other Art
One of the park’s crown jewels is the iconic bronze sculpture Large Two Forms by Henry Moore. Originally displayed at the corner of Dundas and McCaul, this dramatic work found its natural setting in Grange Park in June 2017. If you’re walking past in the evening you’ll notice a subtle night-time illumination.
Historic Backdrops
Grange Park is flanked by several key Toronto landmarks:
- The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and The Grange: Both reside to the north, anchoring the park with historical and artistic significance.
- OCAD University’s Sharp Centre for Design: To the east, this modern architectural marvel adds a contemporary twist.
- Ruins of St George the Martyr Church: Peeking in at the John Street entrance, these evocative ruins remind visitors of the park’s storied past.
For other landmarks that Toronto is known for, click here: What is Toronto Known For? 25+ Things You Should Know.
Playgrounds
The park’s playground areas are designed to inspire young minds and offer a safe, fun environment for all ages:
- Dual-Zone Play Areas: With one zone tailored for toddlers (ages 2–5) featuring softer, smaller structures, and another for older kids with taller, more adventurous equipment, there’s playtime fun for everyone.
- Interactive Water Fun: A splash pad near the playground lets kids cool off on hot summer days, while nearby seating areas allow parents to relax and keep an eye on their little ones.
Paths and Open Lawns
- The Carriage Path: A winding carriage path, beginning at John Street, loops gracefully around the park, inviting leisurely strolls or brisk walks.
- Open Lawns: The central lawn isn’t just picturesque—it’s a versatile space for spontaneous soccer games, frisbee sessions, catch, croquet, or simply lounging with a good book.
The Grange Park Trees
Grange Park is home to approximately 180 trees, including over 80 new plantings that were introduced in 2016. This diverse mix of American elm, horse chestnut, beech, oak, and other species creates a mature, refreshing canopy that shelters visitors and supports a plentiful, healthy ecosystem.
Water Features
- Interactive Water Feature: Adjacent to the children’s play area, this splash-friendly installation is perfect for cooling off on a sweltering day.
- Fountain: Flowing gracefully in front of The Grange historic house, this fountain adds an artistic and soothing water element to the park’s ambiance.
Inscribed Granite Paving Stones
A unique touch to Grange Park’s design is the set of 14 granite paving stones, each etched with thought-provoking quotes from celebrated Canadian voices. These inscriptions, selected by the local community during the park’s revitalization, reflect themes of nature, diversity, and community spirit.
Practical, Accessible, and Sustainable Touches
Modern Amenities
Grange Park is as practical as it is beautiful:
- Public Washrooms and Seating: Well-maintained facilities and comfortable seating options ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.
- For cyclists: Cyclists are welcome, though for safety, bikes must be walked through the park as per municipal guidelines.
A Park for Dogs
For the pet parents amongst us, Grange Park has a special area designed just for them:
- Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA): Tucked away in the southwest corner of the park, this fenced space lets dogs frolic freely. Just remember, outside of this designated area, all pups must stay leashed.
- Community Guidelines: To keep the park safe and enjoyable for everyone, dog owners are encouraged to follow a set of simple rules—keep your pet’s license visible, pick up after them, and ensure they’re under control at all times. There’s even a local dog owners' association, Grange Park D.O.G., if you’d like to connect with fellow pet enthusiasts.
Sustainability in Action
The park’s sustainability is a top priority. An advanced irrigation system keeps the trees and plantings well-watered during dry spells, while the Grange Park Endowment Fund, managed by the AGO, provides ongoing support for its upkeep. Moreover, the Grange Park Community Council works closely with city officials to ensure this treasured space remains pristine for future generations.
Accessibility Features
Grange Park has been designed to ensure that every visitor feels welcome:
- Comfortable Washrooms: There are two individual unisex washrooms equipped to accommodate visitors with mobility aids like wheelchairs or scooters. Plus, a spacious family washroom—with an adjustable adult change table—ensures that those needing extra assistance are well cared for.
- Rest and Recharge: Accessible seating is sprinkled throughout the park. Benches with supportive backs and armrests, some open on one end for easy transfers, and stable concrete pads help visitors using mobility aids sit comfortably. For guests with vision loss, changes in floor texture signal the approach to a seating area.
- Family-Friendly Picnic Areas: Picnic tables are specially designed with accessibility in mind, making it easy for everyone to gather and enjoy a meal outdoors.
- Inclusive Play Areas: About 70% of the playground equipment is accessible to children with disabilities, ensuring that playtime is fun and inclusive for every little adventurer.
- Smooth Pathways: All walkways are obstacle-free, featuring non-slip surfaces and tactile or colored edges to help guide you safely. Handrails are available on slopes and steps to offer extra support.
- Stage & Sculpture Access: The plaza area on the north end of the great lawn is fully accessible to performers, and even the famous Large Two Forms sculpture by Henry Moore sits on a ground-level base so that everyone can admire it up close.
- Sensory Delights: The park’s plantings aren’t just pretty—they’re a sensory playground! From the soft textures of lamb’s ear and fountain grass to the gentle scent of lavender and vibrant hues of white, yellow, and blue flowers, there’s something here to delight every sense.
- Service Animal Friendly: And yes, service animals are warmly welcomed too!
Visiting Grange Park
Grange Park is conveniently situated in downtown Toronto and well-connected by public transit and major roadways:
- By Streetcar: The Queen and Dundas streetcars link seamlessly with the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line, while the Spadina streetcar provides access to the Bloor-Danforth line. This means a quick and scenic ride to your favorite green space.
- By Car: If you're driving, downtown is at your fingertips, with easy connections to the city’s main highways via Lake Shore Boulevard or the Gardiner Expressway.
Explore Beyond Grange Park with CityDays
Ready to take your adventure to the next level? If you’re interested in exploring other hidden gems we think you will enjoy one of our CityDays Treasure Hunts in Toronto and in particular, the Old Town Hunt.
Imagine racing through historic neighborhoods, uncovering secret clues, and bonding with your team over intriguing puzzles—all while learning fascinating tidbits about Toronto’s past. Our tours aren’t just limited to Toronto; we offer experiences across the globe, turning every city into your personal playground.
So, if Grange Park has sparked your curiosity, why not extend the adventure? Join us at CityDays for a tour that’s as educational as it is exhilarating. Who knew history could be this fun?
