This new Toronto park has a bear-y impressive sculpture and it’s huge

Big Bear Park is Toronto’s newest outdoor space, and it officially opened to the public this week.

On Tuesday, the new 3,120 square metre park opened for business as part of the Crosstown development. According to the City of Toronto, the green space was secured as parkland through the development process and reflects their “commitment to meet the growing demand for green spaces.”

It’s located on the northwest corner of Eglinton Avenue and Don Mills Road, adding a much-needed outdoor area to the neighbourhood.

What does Big Bear Park offer?

The City of Toronto tells Curiocity that the park features a children’s play area with a tall, multi-level structure with two long tube slides, regular slides and other imaginative play elements.

“The park will also include shaded seating areas with tables, looping pedestrian paths bordered by horticultural beds and an open lawn area for informal play and relaxation,” the City adds.

Though these additions can be used at the moment, the playground itself is still off-limits. The developer still has to complete a few final touches before it can be enjoyed.

But beyond the playground, the park’s most standout feature is its collection of bear statues. That includes a massive bronze bear that instantly explains the park’s name.

Big Bear’s story

A giant, 5,670 kg bronze bear sculpture seated on a 23,500 kg granite chair decorates the park. It’s a female Kodiak bear anchoring a publicly accessible plaza.

There are also other smaller bears throughout the new development that are just as adorable.

The installation, named Seated Bear With Friends, was created by Dean Drever, Haida First Nation artist and Toronto resident.

“With the awesome power of bears comes an equally awesome responsibility to power itself,” shares Drever. “The sculpture is a reminder of sovereignty and what it means to have dominion over another. It gives the bear a seat at the table or a throne, ready to uphold the highest good of all.”

For anyone curious about the city’s newest residents, you can see them for yourself now at Big Bear Park.

Big Bear Park

Where: Eglinton Avenue and Don Mills Road

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