Faculty of Design

Environmental Design

Dana Dai

The Missing Piece

Reconnecting the Taylor-Massey Creek Trail

“Dentonia Park golf course leaves a hole in an otherwise extensive ravine trail network. Converting it to a multi-faceted public green space serves to connect the site to the greater trail network along the Taylor Massey creek, while providing recreational possibilities and a third-place for Scarborough residents.This new park is to be a transition zone from vibrant green space with social activities, into a peaceful, meditative forest, integrated with the existing trail network. To completely reconnect the city's ravine trail network, uninterrupted paths are designed for different travelers, pedestrians, cyclists, and wildlife. Based on its unique landscape, the site is divided into three zones for various activities and experiences. With respect and concern for preserving the biodiverse native landscape, the north side, bordered by the creek, is a wildlife corridor. This path is entirely elevated, reducing the impact of pedestrians by keeping them on the trail. Though it’s creating a more efficient transportation corridor, a key design philosophy throughout is to promote a slower pace of life and to reduce the exhaustion produced by the hustle and bustle of modern life. The center zone is planned as a quiet zone, arranged with mindful and relaxing activities; a pavilion for meditation, a fire pit near the creek, and an observational hill to watch birds and sunsets. In the urban zone, the conversation, and engagement with nature happen through the use of the amenities, these designs encourage activities for social gatherings, serving as a “third place” for Scarborough. ”