The 'Rail Deck Park' aims to solve two problems plaguing Toronto's downtown core: a lack of green, communal space and an unattractive, industrial railway system. The 21 acre park is slated to "deck" over the existing railway that spans from Bathurst Street in the west to Blue Jays Way in the east, creating usable public space while still allowing the infrastructure of the trains to function as before.
Exciting though the project may be for Torontonians who frequent the densely populated downtown area, it is not a completely new concept. According to City Councillor Joe Cressy, who helped expedite the green light for the project, "similar projects have been developed recently in Chicago (Millennium Park,) Melbourne (Federation Square,) and New York (Hudson Yards.)"
Railroad-Topping Parks
'Rail Deck Park' Will Add Green Space to Toronto's Downtown Core
Trend Themes
1. Rail-deck Parks - The development of Rail-Deck parks is becoming more popular as urban areas struggle to provide communal green spaces - a new opportunity for green infrastructure companies.
2. Deck-over Infrastructures - Decking over existing infrastructure systems to create green space is a modern innovation with the potential to add value to industrial areas - an opportunity for urban design firms.
3. Industrial Revitalization - Revitalizing industrial areas through green infrastructure projects like Rail-Deck parks has become a growing trend - an opportunity for cities looking to create more modern, livable communities.
Industry Implications
1. Green Infrastructure - Green infrastructure companies have the opportunity to capitalize on the development of Rail-Deck Parks and other similar projects in urban areas.
2. Urban Design - Urban design firms can offer innovative solutions like Deck-Over Infrastructures as a unique way to create communal green spaces and add value to industrial areas.
3. Community Development - Opportunities for Industrial Revitalization through green infrastructure projects like Rail-Deck Parks are available to cities looking to create more modern, livable communities.