A family-friendly, multi-use six-acre park has finally opened in the Regent Park community of Toronto.
The park opened Friday just in time for the first day of summer after almost a year of construction.
The park expansion was part of a major revitalization for the neighbourhood – complete with a lot of new green space, a splash pad, playground, green house and community garden.
There is also has a separate place for pets to play and a plaza for community events.
"This park and its amenities provide a much desired natural recreational space for the community of Regent Park, allowing all a greater opportunity to enjoy the outdoors," said Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly in a release.
"The City continues to reaffirm its commitment to increasing natural amenities in Toronto's urban landscape."
Regent Park is evolving to be a mixed use, mixed income area as new rental spaces open up in the large section of Toronto community housing.
“It feels really good to be around people and we have so much room,” said Elanzir Saied, who is looking forward to spending time in this park during the summer and meeting friends.
Dozens of kids played in the open field and playground in what the city Park and Forestry department calls an “impressive” park.
Some residents say Regent Park is a another step in the right direction for the community.
“I’m really excited about this new generation we’re teaching and helping grow,” said father and long-time resident Dennis Kucherawy.
The revitalized park spans the block from Dundas Street to the south, Sumach Street to the west, Sackville Street to the east and Oak Street to the north.
City councillors, staff, partners of Toronto Community Housing and The Daniels Corporation also gathered to celebrate the new space.
The land for the park was given to city parks by Toronto Community Housing and was part of a $6.2 million investment from the city.