Designs plans to transform a portion of the overflow public parking lot adjacent to the Miller Tavern into parkland are slated to be unveiled to the community in the near future.
“It’s the northern gateway to the city, and we feel it’s important to retain as much green space as possible,” said Louise Sugar, vice-president of the York Mills Valley Association, of the park’s location.
A design first presented in October included components historically reflective of the Hogg’s Hollow area, including a sawmill relic.
Sugar said the park’s design would allow it to support area wildlife. “We want it to be as naturalized as possible, as an extension of this wildlife corridor that we have that’s very, very valuable to migrating animals and birds in the city,” she said.
When purchased in 1997 for $2.1 million, the city agreed to reconsider returning the lot to parkland once the purchase price had been recovered through parking permits. Approximately 1.7 acres of the lot are being considered for return, leaving roughly 180 parking spots. Coun. Cliff Jenkins said he expected construction to begin this year.
