Pandemic Parks
Public life has been transformed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Much of our social gatherings are now taking place outdoors and people are flooding to public parks for a sense of safety and solace. Parks have become our restaurants, daycares, gyms, and for some, a home.
I am reminded of George Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the famous 19th century pointillist painting featuring city dwellers lounging and standing on a river bank in Paris. There is something romantic about how the image of that world is reflected in our current reality. On a Sunday afternoon in Toronto in the summer of 2020, one can see folks from all walks of life seeking solace in our urban greenspaces. A collective gesture, and cry of appreciation for nature, recreation, and community.
This photo essay documents public life happening in Toronto parks during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It demonstrates the need for public parks and showcases it as a necessary space for our physical and mental wellbeing. These spaces benefit our cities, and they should be made accessible to all.
Locals lounging while physically distancing on a sunny June day in 2020, at Cedarvale Park in Toronto.
Amy and Aaron reading in Christie Pits park on August 9th, 2020. Although Amy frequently reads in parks, for Aaron this is something that he has done more since the pandemic hit. “We’re just hungrier for an excuse to be anywhere that’s not home.”
Friends Kelly and Rachel meet up for a physically distanced hang out at Oriole Park in Toronto, summer 2020.
Jane, 78, and Corrie, 92, have been friends for 55 years. They meet up in person for the first time since March at Dufferin Grove Park on August 7, 2020. Corrie lives at a near by retirement home, where there is not much greenspace, Dufferin Grove has been an important park for her. “Tomorrow my oldest daughter is coming and we will probably sit here again” she says.
Godfred (28) and Jared (29) boxing at Earlscourt Park on the west end of Toronto. Godfrey has been training in parks for 10 years, but as COVID hit and boxing gyms shut their doors, the park has been their only option for the past few months. They train 3-4 times a week in parks.
Portrait of Godfred (left) and Jared (right) boxing at Earlscourt Park in Toronto on August 7, 2020.
Ya is a tutor and uses the park as her office, where she slack lines on her breaks. She poses for a portrait at Earlscourt Park in Toronto on August 7, 2020.
Soumaya and her daughter Alina, 6, come to Earlscourt Park everyday, where Alina attends camp during the day. However because of all the other kids playing at the park and all the friends Alina has made, they often stay around for hours after camp ends. The other parents sitting around expresses how great the park has been for them to keep their kids preoccupied. “It’s never enough for her!” Soumaya laughs. “We spend more time in this park than at home...yesterday we stayed here until after 10pm, so I guess we were here for 14 hours!”
Pato is the founder of Tidot Batu, a Batucada group based in Toronto. Batucada is an Afro-Brazillian, samba reggae percussion style originated from Salvador, Bahia in Brazil, where Pato is from. He wanted to bring the music of his culture here, with respect and love for where it came from. Since COVID-19 hit, the group has lost their rehearsal space. So every week, they rehearse at Earlscourt Park in Toronto, with much welcome from locals who gather to enjoy the powerful beats and rhythms.
Since COVID-19 hit, the Batucada group, Tdot Batu, has lost their rehearsal space. So every week, they rehearse at Earlscourt Park in Toronto, with much welcome from locals who gather to enjoy the powerful beats and rhythms.
A group of friends and family gather at Queen’s Park to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the second significant Islamic holiday celebrated annually. Most met studying medicine at the University of Toronto. Although it isn’t the first time they’ve celebrated outdoors, most years they would rent out a venue for this celebration. This year, being outdoors is simply a safer place to be.
Vlad had been staying at Queen’s Park for about a week. Originally from Russia, he has been in Toronto for over twenty years. Four years ago he lost his subsidized housing, and now COVID has put a strain on the social services he relies on. The park is a relatively safe place for him to stay when the weather is warm and usually has a water source he can use. He is hoping to find housing with family or in Hamilton come winter. “I don’t know, it’s not a very happy story, I’m not sure it’s the kind of story you’re looking for...” he tells me.