Evergreen travelled across Toronto to ask people to share their stories about how public spaces make a difference in their life.
Evergreen believes in the power of public spaces to create meaningful connections — both with each other and with the environment. But what do public spaces mean to the people who use them every day?
In our Voices in Public Spaces YouTube series, we asked community members to share how public spaces impact them personally. It’s all about real voices sharing real reflections.
What did people tell us? That public spaces shape their life in really powerful ways, helping them meet neighbours, opening up connections to nature, providing safe spaces to exercise and brightening daily routines. They shared stories about growing their own food in a community garden, teens who found reasons to put their phones away and why the birding community is so welcoming.
Click the icons on the map to watch the videos >
We caught up with Achille Tarulli and Brenda Tarulli at Evergreen Brick Works. The couple say that green spaces can help you forget about all your problems.
Janet Patterson describes the joy of watching seeds grow into healthy plants and how much she values having public community spaces where moments like this can take root.
We spoke to Jesse, Joanna, Julianna, Edmund and Louisa, during one of their frequent trips to the Bayview BMX Park near the Finch Hydro Corridor Recreational Trail. Turns out, the backyard just doesn’t cut it when there’s a whole trail to explore.
Amy Tsaur has been coming to Evergreen Brick Works since she was just six-years-old. Now back as a volunteer, she says teenagers are happy to put down their phones when there are good spaces to enjoy the outdoors.
Niall, an avid birder in Toronto, notices that strangers interact with each other differently in public spaces compared to the hustle and bustle of the city.
We spoke with Omar Khan at Regent Park, who shares how living near a vibrant public space has connected him with his surrounding community.
We chat with Laurie Wilson as he walked along Toronto’s Waterfront Trail. For Laurie, spending time in public spaces like this brings him back to the natural landscapes he grew up with.
We spoke to volunteers from Don’t Mess with the Don, a charity committed to protecting and enhancing the natural heritage of the Don Valley and Toronto ravines. Linda Rowe and Bruce Mackenzie tell us how being involved in stewardship of public green spaces connects them to community, and how the Don Valley and Toronto’s ravines connect them to nature.
We talk with Kim and Leroy, members of the Blind Roadrunners, a recreational run club that pairs sighted and non-sighted runners. They explain that while city sidewalks can be narrow, busy and full of obstacles, public spaces like the Beltline Trail provide a safer place to run.
Daria Domnikova, a Toronto-based illustrator, graphic designer and muralist, says public art can engage people, even in everyday spaces like sidewalks. We also get to see her mural on a concrete barrier, a project designed to bring a bit of nature into the city.
We talk to Chris Kousinioris at the Toronto Reference Library. Chris says it’s important to find public spaces we can still enjoy in the winter. He sees the library as an indoor town square and a space of community and belonging.
We caught up with Achille Tarulli and Brenda Tarulli at Evergreen Brick Works. The couple say that green spaces can help you forget about all your problems.
Janet Patterson describes the joy of watching seeds grow into healthy plants and how much she values having public community spaces where moments like this can take root.
We spoke to Jesse, Joanna, Julianna, Edmund and Louisa, during one of their frequent trips to the Bayview BMX Park near the Finch Hydro Corridor Recreational Trail. Turns out, the backyard just doesn’t cut it when there’s a whole trail to explore.
Amy Tsaur has been coming to Evergreen Brick Works since she was just six-years-old. Now back as a volunteer, she says teenagers are happy to put down their phones when there are good spaces to enjoy the outdoors.
Niall, an avid birder in Toronto, notices that strangers interact with each other differently in public spaces compared to the hustle and bustle of the city.
We spoke with Omar Khan at Regent Park, who shares how living near a vibrant public space has connected him with his surrounding community.
We chat with Laurie Wilson as he walked along Toronto’s Waterfront Trail. For Laurie, spending time in public spaces like this brings him back to the natural landscapes he grew up with.
We spoke to volunteers from Don’t Mess with the Don, a charity committed to protecting and enhancing the natural heritage of the Don Valley and Toronto ravines. Linda Rowe and Bruce Mackenzie tell us how being involved in stewardship of public green spaces connects them to community, and how the Don Valley and Toronto’s ravines connect them to nature.
We talk with Kim and Leroy, members of the Blind Roadrunners, a recreational run club that pairs sighted and non-sighted runners. They explain that while city sidewalks can be narrow, busy and full of obstacles, public spaces like the Beltline Trail provide a safer place to run.
Daria Domnikova, a Toronto-based illustrator, graphic designer and muralist, says public art can engage people, even in everyday spaces like sidewalks. We also get to see her mural on a concrete barrier, a project designed to bring a bit of nature into the city.
We talk to Chris Kousinioris at the Toronto Reference Library. Chris says it’s important to find public spaces we can still enjoy in the winter. He sees the library as an indoor town square and a space of community and belonging.
Public spaces do so much more than fill gaps on a map. That’s why Evergreen is committed to building better public spaces across Canada. But we can’t do it alone. As a non-profit charity, we need your support today to transform public spaces and help shape a healthier world for the next generation.
