David Crombie Park: Explore Downtown Toronto

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, David Crombie Park is a vibrant and eclectic green space that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, public art, and community engagement. This 1.4-hectare park is situated on the northwest corner of Front Street East and Lower Jarvis Street, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. With its rich history, stunning gardens, and diverse amenities, David Crombie Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of downtown Toronto.
History and Design of the Park

David Crombie Park was named after the 56th Mayor of Toronto, David Crombie, who served from 1972 to 1978. The park was designed by the renowned landscape architecture firm, Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg, in collaboration with the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation division. The park’s design incorporates a range of sustainable features, including a rain garden, a green roof, and a permeable pavement system, which helps to manage stormwater runoff and reduce the park’s environmental footprint.
Park Amenities and Features
David Crombie Park boasts a wide range of amenities and features that cater to diverse interests and ages. The park includes a children’s play area, a dog off-leash area, and a community garden, where local residents can grow their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The park also features a number of public art installations, including a murals and sculptures created by local artists. In addition, the park offers a range of seating areas, walking paths, and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, socializing, and community events.
Park Feature | Description |
---|---|
Children's Play Area | A fully accessible play area with climbing structures, swings, and slides |
Dog Off-Leash Area | A designated area where dogs can run and play off-leash |
Community Garden | A shared garden space where local residents can grow their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers |
Public Art Installations | A range of murals and sculptures created by local artists |

Community Events and Programming

David Crombie Park is a hub of community activity, with a range of events and programs taking place throughout the year. The park hosts outdoor concerts, movie screenings, and fitness classes, as well as workshops and seminars on topics such as gardening, sustainability, and community engagement. The park also partners with local organizations and businesses to deliver community programs and services, including food banks, health clinics, and youth programs.
Accessibility and Sustainability
David Crombie Park is designed to be fully accessible, with accessible pathways, benches, and restrooms available throughout the park. The park also incorporates a range of sustainable features, including rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse, and solar-powered lighting. The park’s green roof and permeable pavement system also help to reduce stormwater runoff and improve air quality.
- Accessible pathways and benches throughout the park
- Rainwater harvesting and grey water reuse systems
- Solar-powered lighting and energy-efficient appliances
- Green roof and permeable pavement system to reduce stormwater runoff and improve air quality
What are the park’s hours of operation?
+David Crombie Park is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, 7 days a week.
Are dogs allowed in the park?
+Yes, dogs are allowed in the park, but they must be kept on a leash unless they are in the designated dog off-leash area.
Can I rent the park’s community garden plots?
+Yes, community garden plots are available for rent on a seasonal basis. Please contact the park’s administration office for more information.