Example of a Fitness Pod that is similar to what’s proposed for the Harrison Properties
By M. A. McKenzie
At a community meeting this summer, sponsored by Councillor Gary Crawford, Toronto parks representatives presented a proposal for a small outdoor activity centre in the green space behind the Scarborough Arts Council building on Kingston Road across from Birchmount Collegiate.
Known as the Harrison Properties, the park land connects Springbank Ave. with Lakehurst Cres. and Rosetta McClain Gardens and contains a path that is part of the Scarborough Waterfront trail. The land is largely used now by dog owners as an off-leash play area.
Officials say they were asked by a group of local residents to study the possibility of improving the largely empty parkland and formulated two proposed designs for what’s been dubbed a “ fitness pod” – an array of metal structures that allow people to exercise, do chin ups, stretching and strength training.
Aerial of Harrison Properties, south of Kingston Rd and east of Birchmount
Fitness pods are a new trend according to city officials and “are popping up like crazy in the west side of the city” according to Ruthanne Henry, a Senior Project Coordinator with Parks, Forestry & Recreation.
Henry told the crowd of some 30 area residents that studies show these activity centres help connect communities and families into parks. They also add to the “walkability” of areas, said Tamara Hermann, who does constituency relations in the office of Councillor Crawford.
The funding for the project comes not from regular city coffers but from a portion of development fees levied on building projects in the area, that must be allocated for parks and their improvement said Hermann.
There was significant opposition, however, from local residents, most of them long-time property owners on the two streets on either side of the Harrison Properties. One woman who lives on Lakehurst said “It’s one of the few natural parks left” and a gentleman who lives on Springbank added “I’d like it left the way it is”.
Several residents expressed concerns about the fitness hub becoming a magnet for teens who would “hang out” in the park while others worried about cars parking on nearby streets to access the fitness equipment
However, with just five or six structures proposed, city officials said the fitness pod is small compared to others in the city. They said pods are not considered “destination” sites and are most usually used by people running, walking or biking on paths nearby.
No lighting is planned, nor are there provisions to pave the fitness pod or the path, officials added.
City officials said they are reviewing the concerns presented and will discuss alternative plans and designs at future meetings.
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I was at that meeting and the residents of Springbank Avenue were almost unanimous in their dislike of having anything installed in this natural tree filled park. Many commented on the current lack of maintenance and the general run down nature of the place. The suggestions were to fix what is there already instead of inserting throwing money at something no one will use. Other neighbourhoods in the area didn’t want anything to do with this trendy west-end installation either.
I was also at that meeting and as most of the people there were not in favor of the exercise pods I assumed and hoped that would be the end of it. The Harrison estates is one of the small natural parks we have, let’s leave it that way.
Regarding a recent article about the Harrison Estate.
The proposal to install a fitness pod in the above mentioned property has not been approved. The community is not in favour of this development, regardless of how “on trend” it might be. Years ago a proposal to build a low income development was overturned by the residents. Instead we were promised a “natural park”, which we have. Let’s leave it that way.
The bluff face is FRAGILE! Let’s put to rest all future potential proposals to disturb this bucolic green space, one of the last remaining not to be meddled with by mankind.
Your article does not accurately represent the views of the community.
Not only did the meeting in July result in a majority of attendees voting a resounding NO to the proposal, but proxies signed by persons unable to attend the meeting were dismissed by the senior parks representative present.
The city should find another way to dispose of the $60,000.00 earmarked for community use. This community doesn’t want it!