April 15, 2012
Plans to refurbish High Park put off until fall
Concept design of High Park bridge.
Donations, pledged by members of Landscape Ontario to enhance the High Park playground, have been put on hold until this fall.

Fire destroyed the Jamie Bell Playground Castle Park, which is located within the High Park playground.

LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni explained that city officials felt they needed more time to ensure that proper planning procedures took place and that many technical issues such as drainage, permits, and ravine regulations be properly processed.

“They really appreciate the efforts of our membership. They encouraged us to stay motivated until such time as they are ready to accept our help. We are looking at mobilizing in the fall,” said DiGiovanni.

During Industry Night at Canada Blooms, it was announced that Adam Bienenstock of Bienenstock Design and Consulting of Dundas, was offering to rebuild the High Park playground. A call for help went out from Landscape Ontario members.

Over 20 members stepped up that night with pledges of material, funds and time, amounting to an estimated value of $300,000.

Those businesses announcing support for the project, include Bienenstock Design and Consulting, Sweetpea’s, Genoscape, Aden Earthworks, Allstone Quarry Products, Landscapes By Lucin, Upper Canada Stone Company, P. Day Management Services, Techo-Bloc, Stronco Group, Connon Nurseries NVK, Sheridan Nurseries, Landscape Ontario, Aquascape, and the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Reliable Reporting, VRS Masonry, Wellington Systems, Kelron Logistics, Labours’ International Union of North America Local 506 Peter Glaze, ABF Freight, Farmer Jack’s Landscape Supply. Canadian Tire also pledged up to $50,000 toward the project.  

Following the announcement that the project would be put off until the fall, Adam Bienenstock responded, “We helped the High Park Residents Association to offer a process of engagement and the top facilitators in the city. We helped LO members focus their efforts toward this community. Now we have to wait to receive instruction from the City and the community.”