Vision Manifest and Shared While some of Dufferin Grove’s early interventions were specifically geared toward stemming youth violence, particularly within the skating rink, the central ambition is to build community and to foster social cohesion through the programs and park facilities. People come together to eat at a community supper, to enjoy a bonfire, to watch a small theatre production or to shop at the organic farmer’s market. This is where neighbours meet, form relationships and perhaps volunteer and contribute in other ways to strengthen the community and, ultimately, to create social capital – a fundamental ingredient of a sustainable city. The park is also for learning. There is a visible effort to communicate to the public what the range of facilities are and how to participate in them. Newsletters, signs, personal contact, evening speaker series, interactive workshops and engaging art installations – these all contribute to learning, nurturing and support. And the learning goes beyond the immediate neighbourhood. The Friends of Dufferin Grove know that this park has become a regional draw and have established a research group to share ideas and programming experiences. In this way, other neighbourhoods can initiate locally responsive programs in their parks.
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On Site review 21: stormy weather
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