This one is on our “cool” list. Sherbourne Common, the 1.5-hectare park that runs south of Lake Shore Blvd all the way to the waterfront east of the CORUS building, is your not average green space. Nor play space for that matter. But it’s both and so much more thanks to Waterfront Toronto who transformed this former industrial lot into a fantastic meeting place for all kinds of park-goers.

The toddler and I made a recent pit stop at the park (now operated by the City of Toronto.) In Sherbourne Common North, we ooh-ed at the art (nine-metre high art sculptures), watched the “river” flow through through the space towards the lake, then crossed Queen’s Quay to Sherbourne Common South to cool off in the splash pad (that doubles as a skating rink in the winter.)

Although there are some swings, teeter totters and the likes on the north side, the park for us is more about exploring than typical playground playing. And it’s that cool factor and the “so much more” aspect that keep us coming back. Check out the did-you-know below for that.

TRIP TIPS:

Getting there: Driving, most of the Green P’s and street parking are north of the Lake Shore Blvd but there are some private lots along Queen’s Quay. By TTC, the 75 Sherbourne or 6 Bay buses get you there. We found biking along the waterfront the easiest.

Potty time: Washrooms in the pavilion in Sherbourne Common South.

Picnic: Bring your own snacks. Lots of seating area and a nice grassy area south of the pavilion. If you plan to eat out, try Against the Grain restaurant in the Corus building. A super patio with a decent kids menu.

In the hood: Sugar Beach. Pick umbrellas. Awesome white sand.

Did you know: There is a UV facility in the park’s Pavilion that takes the collected stormwater from the neighbourhood and releases it from the three art features into a long water channel and back out to Lake Ontario. And it’s pretty at night. Check out these photos.