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.