Open letters:

Oct.10, 2018, to park friends from skater David Rothberg

Subject: Dufferin Grove Park: Why a conservancy? Why CELOS

Hi,

I am the guy who, along with Jane Lowbeer, donated money to CELOS to turn Dufferin Grove into a conservancy. I'm writing to tell you why I did it.

I fell for the park fifteen years ago when my then three year old son was learning to skate – Mayssan Shuja and Teddy Carlyle taught him. I don't have to explain how the charms of the place worked on me. You know. The city knows. Dufferin is probably one of the only local parks that is a destination for people everywhere in the GTA. Indeed it's become a destination for urbanists from around the world.

The question is: what explains those charms.

Answer: an energized community working in partnership with a group of open city staff.

There was such a partnership. It lasted from 1994 until 2012. The results of it include the Zamboni Cafe, the sandpit, the Friday night dinners, the market, the bread oven and more.

In 2012 the city ended the partnership. Believing the park was too unregulated, it moved the supervisor who'd captained its end of the partnership out of the district and assumed full, top-down, control.

What's happened since then? We still enjoy the Zamboni Cafe, the sandpit, the Friday night dinners, the market, and the bread oven. But note: not one new initiative like the Zamboni Cafe, the sandpit, the Friday night dinners, the market, the bread oven etc. has been undertaken since.

And the vibe, for lack of a better term, has changed. This may sound insignificant but it's important to me. When my son was learning to skate everyone who worked at the park knew us. Nobody would know us now. How could they? Park staff now are like cashiers at Loblaws; they change all the time. Worse they've been trained to think of you and me as 'clients.' To me a personal touch isn't a bonus, it's a necessity. We don't go to the park to be clients, we go to get away from being clients.

The re-do of the rink speaks to my issues. The city plans on building a new rink and a new rinkhouse which may or may not take more than a winter to construct, and has assembled a committee of local residents to be part of the planning. What's wrong with that?

To me the initiative should not be taken by some bureaucrat who has no relationship to the community, and a committee – which a woman on it said at the meeting in the rinkhouse existed so the city could, 'check a box,' – should not be assembled to modify the city's plans. We, the community, should take the initiative and the bureaucrat should modify our plans. It's our park. We have the right. And we have the duty.

A conservancy would end top- down planning by bureaucrats and put the park back on the track it was on during its golden age. A conservancy is, by definition, a partnership between the city and local residents. Central Park and Prospect Park in New York run as conservancies. Edward Gardens and Allen Gardens are being turned into conservancies in Toronto.

I've donated money to CELOS because CELOS is the natural entity to work on behalf of the community to turn the park into a conservancy. Some of the CELOS people are the same people who worked in the partnership the park had with the city during the golden years. Those people are seasoned. And now they have a strategy.

If you share my view and you want to be part of turning the park into a conservancy all you have to do now is contact Ana Bailao and tell her you think that a) the park would function best as a conservancy, and b) you believe the city should negotiate with CELOS.

I urge you to do that.

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Oct.11, 2018, posting on Medium by skateboarder Thomas Berry:

Dufferin Grove’s Future

It’s been a pleasure helping to organize and build at Dufferin Grove, or as most call it Duff Grove, for the past 8 years. It’s been really cool to watch the place grow in popularity and become a destination for people in and outside the city.

I think a large part of what makes Duff Grove so special is not just the ramps. Let’s face it, there is nothing really that innovative there. It’s a skatepark. But what makes it special are the intangibles. Or, for lack of a better term, the vibe. If you’ve hung out and skated here you know what I’m talking about. It is a truly inclusive space.

Recently, I was approached by local community members asking me to spread the word to the skateboard community about the crossroads that the park finds itself at. On one side, there is a push to revitalize the park, build new rinks and rebuild the clubhouse. Many parks around the city have undergone renovations in the past few years (Grange Park, Kensington are a few examples). However, some community members are uneasy about revitalizing the park. To many the park already shows signs of vitality. So, the question that is asked by some is: who are we revitalizing the park for?

As an alternative to the current administration of the park, community members are organizing to form a conservancy. The goal of this conservancy is to form a partnership between citizens and the city to help maintain, preserve and administrate a park in a more collaborative and transparent way. The Bentway is a conservancy and so is Central Park in New York City. Conservancies are a proven administrative model.

So why am I writing all of this? Well, if you are a supporter of the conservancy model and believe citizen involvement in the administration of Dufferin Grove park is the right path forward, consider emailing the local city councillor Ana Bailao and stating your support. Contact details for Ana can be found here. Also keep in mind there is an election coming up. Thanks for your time.

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Oct.13, 2018 from Eric Code, Etobicoke

Dufferin Grove Park and Humber Bay Park

While I live in South Etobicoke, I visit Dufferin Grove Park often. There is nothing else like it in the city, and it is a model of what other Toronto parks should strive to be.

When I first stepped inside the clubhouse to book a campfire, I was struck by how effectively the space was used. The building fit the needs of the community perfectly, and had even been modified by the community according to those needs.

This was a real community space, that served the community well. I was also impressed with the tremendous collaboration between city staff and residents.

While I was impressed, I was also envious and frustrated because at that time there were plans to build a $7 pavilion in Humber Bay Park. Unlike Dufferin Grove’s clubhouse, which fulfilled multiple needs and had real programing, the plans for Humber Bay Park seemed wasteful and needless and comparison.

Now, there are similar plans to build a new building in Dufferin Grove. I disagree with these plans, as does everyone I have spoken to about them. Toronto has enough buildings. What we’re short on is green space. Dufferin grove is spectacular as it is. It deserves protection.

Parks are places to enjoy the outdoors. They are not places to sit inside. And, I strongly disagree with the construction of multi-use indoor space without firm programming. Buildings should be purpose built for real needs – but only when required.

Reusing a building is greener and less expensive than building a new one – even if that new building is “green”. Consider the environmental costs of construction (demolition, transportation, landfill). Toronto is committed to being green. That commitment should extend to projects like this.

I hope that the city conducts a thorough consultation process with decisive surveys, to ensure this park evolves to serve the community’s needs and interests. And most of all, I hope that the City listens to that feedback – and responds to it.

Remember, while we may have money in a capital budget set aside for a building in Dufferin Grove, spending money on something that is not required or desired is still irresponsible. This is the same city that can’t afford to keep schools in a state of good repair or build transit to keep pace with our growing population. Ultimately, all our money comes from the same pot. Unwanted projects should not be funded.

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What people wrote to Councillor Ana Bailao

Oct.15, Peter Thillaye:

Hope all is well and your campaign in our embattled city is meeting your expectations. As you know as Davenport changes to meet it's future we have been discussing a better path for our parks and common spaces. We feel research on and a commitment to ,make a city - conservancy partnership work, is the way forward.

Please let me know whether you support that idea.

Under the present centralized structure imposed in 2012, the cost of operating the park has gone way up. Direct neighbourhood involvement has decreased -- as shown by the recent "revitalization" plans, which seem to be far ahead of anything park users ever asked for.

A more local governance structure seems to be what the general manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation was describing in a speech she gave last January. She said:

"Toronto is leading the country on collaborative governance models that bring government and communities together to improve, operate and enhance parks and public realm, and each one of those partnerships and models is unique - we don't have a one-conservancy-fits-all model...."

Could you let me know your position on this issue?

Oct.11, Sandra Peters:

I am writing today to let you know that I fully support the idea of Dufferin Grove Park being run as a conservancy, as is being done in other Toronto parks like Edward Gardens.

Secondly, I believe that the city should be negotiating with CELOS as it considers any new and costly plans for the park (e.g. new rink house). CELOS is intimately familiar with DG Park and its history and well positioned to provide thorough analyses of how the park would be shaped by the various proposals.

Thirdly, I am not in favour of a new rink house. The existing structure is solid and does not need to be torn down. I would be very interested in knowing why a new structure has been proposed - could you please fill me in on this?

Oct.10, Kathy Patterson:

I am a local resident and patron of Dufferin grove park. I have been using the park at Dufferin grove for 20 years...first when our music trio Three Funny Hats used to put in performances for the neighborhood, to the delight of little ones under our green and purple tent - and later when I brought my own children now 13 and 10 to play, skate, eat, watch theatre, build cob structures, dance along with dusk dances, go to the market, sit by the fire, devour park bread, join in the craft sales and enjoy the wonderful community that has become such a part of our lives.

I am always telling people how amazing the park is... And how it is because the PEOPLE care and have passion...it is a gem in a world that becomes more sterile by the minute...a thriving hub of life and engagement.

So of course I get concerned about the future of the park. How can we keep it alive and thriving, not to get swallowed up by the bureaucracy of the city? How can we maintain the fire that burns so brightly with people's passion and enthusiasm, and keep the belief that inside a small Toronto park there can be amazing creativity and warmth and dedication to community?

Please know that Many citizens of this city care deeply about Dufferin Grove. Dufferin Grove is a bright light that should shine as an example to all that much can be done with little when the attitude is right.

A park conservancy creating a mutually beneficial partnership with the city and conservancy board as proposed by CELOS seems wise to me. I hope you are well informed of this plan. If not, please visit the CELOS web site. Please help to ensure that what is bright and good stays that way.

Oct.9, Jacqueline Peeters: "Dufferin Park has been extremely important to me since shortly after I moved back to Toronto with my young children in 1993. I have been involved to varying degrees over the years, but always kept abreast of what was happening – and choosing my housing purchases over the years to be nearby. At various points, two of my three children worked in the park, providing me with additional insight into both the successes and challenges. I was very concerned to see the impact of the centralized structure imposed a number of years ago, which led to the reduction in local autonomy. I am very interested in the recent initiative to explore whether establishing a conservancy might be a way to re-establish a more balanced approach and allow the park to flourish within a collaborative model.

Please let me know whether you support the idea of a new partnership between the city government and the local community around Dufferin Grove Park, in the form of a conservancy.

Please let me know your position on this issue in advance of the municipal election this month."

Oct.9, Anna Kramer: "I'm taking a moment to write about the City's plans for Dufferin Grove Park. I recently attended a community meeting organized by CELOS which raised important questions about the City's redevelopment plans for the park, whether there is actually a need to replace the rink house, the importance of making the park more accessible to all, and the potential impact on park programming while any redevelopment work happens.

It sounds like the City has been quite opaque and unresponsive about what the plans are, how they are justified and if they can accommodate public input. I am emailing you to ask you, as the Councillor, to hold the city accountable to the communities and publics of Dufferin Grove in this process. I would hope that the park planning process would engage in public consultation in good faith rather than having a pre-ordained outcome in mind."

Oct.7, Gail Fraser: "I would love to see Dufferin Grove Park enter into a new partnership between the City of Toronto and the local community in the form of a conservancy.

Could you please let me know your stance on this issue?"

Oct.6, Eileen Nicholls: "As a citizen living in the Dufferin Grove area, the governance around the park is very important to me and my neighbours. This park is extremely well used by the community and a major draw for people outside the area add well. As a family physician I greatly value parks as a means of ensuring healthy living for our community and also strengthening social fabric which has an impact on the social determinants of health."

Oct.5, Colin Gillies and Sophia Jong: "We are pleased to support you in the upcoming elections. It is extremely important that your enthusiastic support and guidance towards a conservancy is understood by us, your constituents."

Oct.5, Nick Hagiepetros: "I am asking for a more local governance structure for Dufferin Grove Park."

Oct.5, Laurie Malabar: "I am writing to ask for your position on changing the Dufferin Grove Park governance structure from Parks, Forestry and Recreation to a conservancy.

I have been a member of the Friends of Dufferin Grove Park since I moved into this neighbourhood more than 25 years ago.

In that time, the changes to Dufferin Grove Park have allowed myself, my family and my friends, to enjoy the wonders offered at our park.
Creating the sand pit, adding two bake ovens and offering food to be served in the park, has made this park one of the best in the world!
And, as you know, this transformation was the result of hard work by park volunteers, city workers and community activists because our park community and the city worked together.

Recently, I have felt a shift in the park.
The request to tear down our park building and build a new structure seems at odds with what myself and other park users feel needs to be accomplished to “revitalize” our park."

Oct.4, Jo-Ann Seamon: "I am a long time resident of the Dufferin Grove area who has raised two children during the ascendancy of the park as a community infused place - from the Cobb wall that my son helped decorate almost 14 years ago, to the skateboard park that both my children have used, to the pizza oven that we have enjoyed for so many years. However, over the last several years, with a more centralized structure imposed by the City, the park costs have increased and the community involvement has decreased. We need to ensure the future of this park is not at odds with the desires and needs of the community. The recent "revitalization" plan Is a prime example of this current problem.

I have reviewed the Conservancy idea, and believe this would be an important way to allow the City and the community to work collaboratively to ensure this is a diverse, accessible, efficient and exciting community park.

Could you please let me know whether you support the idea of a Conservancy partnership between the City and the local community? As a result, several of us have looked into governance structures for the park and believe creating a conservancy would allow us to work collaboratively with the city and community members.

Please let me know where you stand with this request."

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Oct.4, Alan Carlisle: "By now you may have heard of the public meeting organized by Celos on the rink house at DGP, this passed Sunday. (September 30th, Standing room only, packed to the gills!

This operation has been the best of what a city can be over the past many years since Jutta Mason took up a Leadership role in helping local users see what is possible.

I doubt there are many detractors on this warm and vital exploration of what community is and can be..

The idea that community recreation and gathering places contribute to the higher values of what it is to live in a Canadian urban environment is practiced and celebrated in this park..

Likely you have heard described the possibilities a new model for community engagement may offer.

Please see if you can express yourself about this possibility of a "Conservancy" as a City-Resident partnership..

This model is more like a partnership, where local input helps chart the way forward..

Please explore this proposal and give it your most thoughtful response..

Your record of housing advocacy is well known and respected. Your endorsement of this Conservancy Proposal would give considerable weight to its' utility and virtues..

I believe the municipal governance situation is abhorrent and a nasty, needless attack on you and our city. Having the courage to carry on is a tribute to your community support and commitment..T here is a very positive vibe at the park and a situation that needs attention and support..I am hoping you would see the value of a continuing and vital direct community input into how the recreational component of our lives unfold..

Recognizing that top down "We know best" , "them and us " as a development model has no validity except perhaps in the Army..

The recreation department does not exist for the convenience and comfort of its' managers and staff.. this model was abandoned a long time ago at D.G.

Please help move the Park into this next phase of community support and participation.. Can you say yes to the Idea of a Conservancy Concept.

All best in the Days ahead.."

Oct.2, Alan Abelson: "I live in the Dufferin Grove Community, a vibrant community that is fast changing.
The park, since the community started leading initiatives, has been the centre of the community.

I attended the meeting, organized by Celos, this Sunday, September 30.
I strongly endorse the idea of a conservancy, a partnership between the city and a responsible community body, to govern park matters.

I hope that you become a champion for this."

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February 3, 2019, from Vivienne Smetano, to Councillor Ana Bailao, cc to the Star:

"I was very dismayed to hear that a ramp at the south west corner of the park by the bus-stop is not up for consideration and the absolutely filthy and disgusting field house washrooms aren’t also included.

RAMP: It has amazed me that a Health and Safety Inspector has never mandated that a ramp should be constructed here and I think the City has been extremely fortunate that there hasn’t been a bad accident which has resulted in a law suit." read more

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Content last modified on February 04, 2019, at 10:15 PM EST