St James Park

 PMA Landscape Architects were selected by the City of Toronto to develop a revitalization master plan for St. James Park, a well-loved & historic park in the heart of the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood. The goal of the master plan was to determine the location and conceptual design of a new children’s playground and park pavilion, and propose site improvements that would improve safety, accessibility, and circulation to enhance what is already a vibrant neighbourhood park in light of the growing community and development. 

PMA led a team with Jane Farrow and RAW Architects through a 6-month facilitation process to solicit the priorities with regards to park renovations and the preferred programming for the playground proper. The results of the survey would influence the conceptual designs of the playground. There was an overwhelming desire to maintain the character of the park, improve the pedestrian capacity, ensure flexibility in programming, celebrate the neighbourhood and its cultural heritage, and integrate play and art. 

Design of the entry plazas and gardens include flexible seating opportunities, interpretive gateway features with integrated lighting, unit pavers, and native plant species. PMA invited Earthscape Play to collaborate on a custom playground and water-play area to incorporate the heritage of St. Lawrence Market with accessible, interactive play features for all ages.