View allAll Photos Tagged WaterPlay
Ittel, a small village in Rhineland-Palatinate, with some very old houses. As in many other villages, vacancy and decay are increasing here too. This old water feature ripples away sadly and barely noticed until the saving vultures turn off the tap here too.
Ittel, ein kleines Dorf in Rheinland-Pfalz, mit einigen sehr alten Häusern. Wie in vielen anderen Orten, nehmen auch hier Leerstand und Verfall zu. Dieses alte Wasserspiel, plätschert traurig und kaum beachtet dahin, bis auch hier die Spargeier den Wasserhahn abdrehen werden.
Taken last week while down sandbanks in Poole harbour. This area is a stunning place at times .
More of my work can be found here.
www.photo4me.com/profile/13975/all/canvas-prints?sortby=p...
And when they look your way
Your gonna make make 'em do a double take!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCi4QnL3GZ0
Get it right
You got 'em where you want 'em
Show 'em how it's done!!
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.
And all of this world
Is for children who play
Days that never end, always should remain
Another perfect day
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeVV2KD1GqU
The rain has moved on
And left a new day
Nothing seems to move, everything is still
It's just a perfect day
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.
Kids around the world just love to soak up some fun whenever there's a fountain or a pool of water..
This stretch of water fountain is at the main entrance to VivoCity.
If dreams were thunder
Lightning was desire
Just give me one thing that I can hold on to...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=plFreFhrNAU
The purpose of life is to live it....
To taste experience to the utmost....
Eleanor Roosevelt
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyVzjoj96vs
The Aeon is a child at play with colored balls
~Heraclitus, Fragments
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSA-yHzkvP8
Laughter sparkles like a splash of water in sunlight!
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.
Macro Monday: Theme - Water Play
I squirted dye into a vase for this week's Macro Monday challenge. I played around a bit until the little one got hold of the dye.
More in comments
HMM!
Macro Monday: Theme - Water Play
More of the dye abstracts created for this week's Macro Monday challenge.
Thanks for your feedback on previous posts. Always appreciated.
HMM!
Captured in the heart of Bratislava at Freedom Square (Námestie Slobody), this shimmering moment was crafted using HDR bracketing to preserve every sparkle of sunlight and shadow play. As the golden hour poured its warmth over the iconic “Družba” fountain, children danced through its jets, and families basked in the fading light—like warm almost like a summer joy suspended in time. ✨
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OoxxMXLeK0
The child-soul is an ever-bubbling fountain in the world of humanity
~ Friedrich Froebel
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission
Excerpt from streetsoftoronto.com/city/biidaasige-park-toronto/:
Toronto just opened its biggest new park in a generation—and it’s absolutely stunning
July 22, 2025
Toronto unveiled its largest new park in a generation on Friday and it is a stunner. This expansive park is part of a major flood protection and revitalization effort that is reshaping the city’s eastern waterfront and setting the foundation for future sustainable communities.
Biidaasige Park sits on Ookwemin Minising, a new island formed through the re-routing and naturalization of the Don River. The name Ookwemin Minising means “place of the black cherry trees” in Anishinaabemowin and reflects the landscape’s Indigenous roots. The creation of the island and park was driven by the need for flood protection in the Port Lands, one of the largest urban renewal efforts in North America.
The Port Lands Flood Protection project, which involved rebuilding the mouth of the Don River, was designed not just to safeguard over 174 hectares of land from future flooding, but to create new natural environments and accessible public space. Biidaasige Park is the first completed public amenity on this reimagined terrain.
Biidaasige Park sprawls over 50 acres.
Biidaasige (pronounced bee-daw-sih-geh) means “sunlight shining toward us,” and the park lives up to its name with bright, open spaces, extensive native plantings, and dynamic features for recreation and play. The park space is spread over a whopping 50 acres (20 hectares) today—with another 10 acres (4 hectares) coming in 2026—the park includes:
•An incredible and huge naturally contoured playground with larger-than-life animal sculptures representing Indigenous dodems (clans)
•The city of Toronto’s first-ever ziplines, which are modest but super fun
•The Badlands Scramble, a waterplay and climbing area
•Picnic grounds and two dog off-leash zones
•A pebble beach-style landing area for launching kayaks and canoes
•Fishing platforms and step-downs to the river for nature access
•Trails for walking and cycling
•Wetlands and native vegetation for birdwatching, including the Don Greenway wetland corridor
This first phase alone features over 5,000 trees, 77,000 shrubs, and two million herbaceous plants—all part of a carefully restored riverine ecosystem.
What makes the new park so impressive, beyond the playground and the amazing spaces designed for people to congregate and enjoy the area, is that it sprawls and you can explore much further afield than one might think up a first visit.
The trails actually run on the other side of the new Don River and stretch all the way to the shipping channel south of the park, which provides an incredible experience for visitors. An area rarely seen up close by anyone who lives here.
Any active types, joggers, cyclists, paddle boarders and kayakers will love this new play space, especially when combined with Cherry Beach for an epic loop option.
While Biidaasige Park is the first completed piece of public space on Ookwemin Minising, the broader vision is ambitious. At 98 acres (39 hectares), the island is expected to eventually support more than 15,000 residents, nearly 3,000 jobs, and 15 additional acres of parkland. Mixed-use developments and sustainable housing are already in planning, made possible by the foundational flood protection work.
The naturalization of the Don River and the creation of Biidaasige Park represent a significant environmental milestone. Where once stood a neglected industrial floodplain, there is now a living river valley with new habitat, green infrastructure, and public access to water—all designed to withstand the climate-related challenges of the future.
The next phase of development will see the expansion of the island community and additional parks and public amenities. The Lassonde Art Trail will open in 2026 alongside the park’s final section. And with plans to accelerate housing construction on both Ookwemin Minising and the adjacent Quayside lands, this newly accessible stretch of the Toronto waterfront is poised to become a model of sustainable and inclusive urban growth.
Lakeside Splash Pad at Prospect Park in Brooklyn.Wanna throw a birthday party for your kids,this is one way of doing it.Invite his friends (and yours too) to the park for some water play.Can you spot the man with a birthday hat on.. could be his birthday :-)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH-BXcAiOoo
Before you can dance on the rainbow you must walk through the rain
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Fish Lane, Burscough
Lancashire
L40 0TA
T: 01704 895181
F: 01704 892343
E: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
Opening times
Open 7 days a week, except 25 December
Winter (27 October to February)
9.30am to 5.00pm
Early Closing on 24 December (last admission 2pm)
Summer (March to 27 October)
9.30am to 5.30pm
Facilities
Eating
The brand new Mere Side cafe offers a delicious selection of hot and cold food, a variety of coffees and chilled drinks, and tempting home-made cakes. From healthy vegetarian salads to hearty meat dishes, all can be enjoyed overlooking the beautiful wetlands.
Small Breakfast menu available from 10am -11.30am. Hot food served from 11.45am - 2.30pm.
Shopping
The gift shop stocks a wide range of wildlife books, outdoor clothing, bird feeders/boxes, postcards and stationary, children’s gifts and souvenirs of your visit to the centre, including a unique range of products featuring the artwork of WWT founder Sir Peter Scott.
There is also an In Focus optics shop at the centre selling everything you will ever need to watch wildlife – from budget binoculars starting at around £15 to deluxe telescopes at over £1000. In Focus is the ideal place to get honest, friendly advice about buying your first pair of binoculars and test them in what must be the best location anywhere in the North West of England.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visitor information and associated terms and conditions of entry
We hope you have a great day with us. Our Wetland Centres are designed to give you an unforgettable experience getting close to nature. Your safety is paramount, as is the safety of the wildlife that visits or lives at our Wetland Centres. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day, we have terms and conditions of entry that everyone needs to observe.
1. Visitors are asked to respect the habitats and wildlife of the centre by keeping to the paths and defined tracks at all times and keeping loud noise to a minimum as this may cause stress to wildlife.
2. Contrary to popular belief, birds should not be fed bread as they cannot digest it. Please feed them grain instead - you will be able to purchase grain at centres where feeding is permitted.
3. Please ensure that children are supervised at all times and please be aware that some of our ponds and lakes are deep. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
4. Safety signs are there for your protection - please obey the signage and do not attempt to go beyond any enclosure barriers. Please do not: Climb on any trees or shrubs
Prune or pick any flowers or vegetation
Enter any water body
5. The last admission to the Centre is 30 minutes prior to the advertised closing time.
6. Due to the limited availability of car parking spaces, vehicles may only be left for the duration of the visit to the centre.
7. Mobility scooters are very welcome on site. For more information on what we offer for people with disabilities, please see www.wwt.org.uk/visit/visit/accessibility/
8. Unfortunately we can't allow dogs or pets of any kind on site, with the exception of assistance dogs on duty, as our wildlife may become distressed. Assistance dogs must be kept on the lead and under control and harnesses must state "working or assistance dog". Please ensure any dog waste is removed. If any of our birds/animals behaviour is affected by the presence of your dog, we may have to ask you to move away from the area.
9. So we don't distress our wildlife, we do not allow the following on site: Scooters, bicycles, tricycles, roller skates/blades/wheelies or skateboards
Barbecues
Footballs or frisbees
10. Pond dipping is not allowed on our wildlife reserve ponds. This is to prevent the spread of invasive non-native plants and the chytridiomycosis disease which affects amphibians. Pond dipping in the grounds may only be undertaken with equipment provided by WWT.
11. In accordance with UK law smoking is prohibited in all buildings (including hides). Visitors who wish to smoke are asked to consider the welfare and comfort of other visitors, especially children, by not smoking in or around picnic areas, play areas or areas where children's activities are being held. In periods of extreme dry weather WWT reserves the right to designate the whole site non-smoking in order to reduce the risk of fire.
12. Photography is permitted on site for personal use only. All commercial/stock library photography, filming, recording, etc. must be agreed in advance with the centre. Please contact Nick Brooks on 01704 891 227 for any commercial filming or photographic enquiries.
13. WWT reserves the right to ask for additional identification to aid proof of membership.
2013 admission prices
Prices are shown inclusive of Gift Aid and without. The Gift Aid admission price includes a voluntary donation, which enables us to claim the tax back as part of the Government's Gift Aid scheme. For further information on Gift Aid click here.
Pricing
Adult
Gift Aid £11.10
No Gift Aid £10.09
Concession (65+, full-time students, unemployed)
Gift Aid £8.20
No Gift Aid £7.45
Child (4-16 years)
Gift Aid £5.40
No Gift Aid £4.91
Family (2 adults and 2 children, 4-16 years)
Gift Aid £29.80
No Gift Aid £27.09
Children (under 4 years) Free Free
Essential helpers assisting disabled visitors Free Free
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessibility
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre has the following facilities:
Free accessible car parking provision – 2 designated spaces
Trained assistance dogs welcome
Hearing induction loop in reception
Maps can be enlarged, please ask ahead of your visit
Manual wheelchair available to loan
The paths around the site are level access
Roaming volunteers, grounds and reception staff on hand if you require assistance
There is step-free entry to all our hides
Accessible toilets
Restaurant staff are friendly and helpful and will carry trays to the table if required
Pond-dipping with station for wheelchair-users
Accessible boat safari – maximum 2 manual wheelchair-users per trip
Waterplay – accessible (boardwalks / gravel) for children using wheelchairs
Eco Garden – a great sensory experience
In addition we have friendly and helpful staff, so if you need restaurant staff to carry a tray to your table or help open a gate – please just ask!
Eat, drink, refresh
The visitor centre is the heart of Martin Mere and the central place to find information on what to see, to buy seed to feed to the birds, to browse our retail shop and to eat (at the Mere Side Cafe).
The Mere Side Cafe has a selection of hot and cold food, sandwiches, cakes and drinks. Childrens boxes are available as well as high chairs and the option to heat up a baby's bottle. Additionally in the building there are disabled toilets and baby changing facilities.
The building has six indoor rooms where there’s always plenty to see and do in the warmth. Films will often be shown in our theatre about beavers or swans and there is a free activity room where families can play and learn in comfort.
The main foyer is home to a bio-diversity exhibition that was kindly donated to us to allow us to have an interactive display promoting the diversity of nature and life. The exhibition has a mixture of touch screen displays, hand held objects, an introductory DVD and large displays to read and learn about bio-diversity.
In addition, at weekends and during holidays there is another craft room where children can design then purchase crafts such as badges, pencil cases and themed activities depending on the season.
Shopping
Gift shop
The retail shop has a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs from small gifts for children to jewellery and display items, as well as a bird care and book area.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Focus shop
Established over 30 years ago, In Focus are the UK’s leading binocular and telescope specialists.
The In Focus shop at Martin Mere has arguably the best testing facilities for binoculars and telescopes in Britain, and carries an extensive range of binoculars and telescopes from beginners’ compacts for £15 to top end kit.
They also stock tripods, hide clamps, digiscoping kits and a wide range of bird watching accessories.
All of the In Focus staff are expert birders who work commission-free to give non-biased advice about choosing binoculars and telescopes. All sales support WWT’s conservation work.
If you wish to visit In Focus but not Martin Mere, you pay the admission price and this can be refunded when you leave if you get your receipt stamped by a member of staff at In Focus.
Group visits
What is there for groups?
Martin Mere Wetland Centre provides a perfect destination for groups, from keen wildlife enthusiasts, photographers or conservation and environmental groups to those just wanting a relaxing day out.
There are beautiful walks around the grounds where you can view birds from around the world, and a nature trail with ten lookout hides from which to watch wildlife throughout the seasons, including summer wading birds and the wintering swans and geese. We also have a visitor centre with spectacular views across the Swan Lake and we have a gift shop and the Mere Side Cafe, which serves food and drinks.
You are welcome to visit at your leisure but for those wanting a little more structure we offer guided walks tailored to your group’s requirements.
Activities
A range of seasonal guided tours and events are available to groups year round at Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Tours are priced at £10 and must be pre-booked.
Among those available are duckling nursery tours in the spring, summer waders walks in the summer and swan feeds in the winter. Guided tours of the waterfowl gardens and a community reedbed walk are also run year-round.
Contact the centre to find out which events
will be available when you visit.
Benefits for groups
Reduced entry prices for groups of 12 or more (payable as one payment on arrival)
Free familiarisation visit for the group leader
Complimentary admission for group organiser
Free coach parking
Free entry for the coach driver
Voucher for use in the Coffee Shop for the driver
Guided tour available for small additional cost for groups that have pre-booked
Meet and greet with complimentary welcome pack
Group admission prices 2012
Free to WWT members
The following discounted rates apply to groups of 12 or more:
Adult: £9.50
Concession: £7.00 (over 65 years, full-time students, unemployed)
Child: £4.60 (4-16 years)
No deposit is required and groups will be asked to pay at the admissions desk on the day of visit.
Accessibility
The centre has level access and hard-surfaced paths with tarmac on main routes (and compacted gravel on minor paths)
All hides are accessible to wheelchairs
Low-level viewing windows and level access to ground floor bird hides.
Free wheelchair loan
Trained assistance dogs only (i.e. Guide dogs). No other dogs permitted
Accessible toilets in car-park and throughout the visitor centre
Free car parking on site. Tarmac surface and reserved bays for disabled visitors
Making a booking
For further information or to make a group booking, please contact Belinda on 01704 895181, or email: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
School visits
At WWT Martin Mere we provide unique and unforgettable learning experiences for schools.
To find out more about what’s on offer for you and your pupils,
Venue hire
If you would like to hire a room at Martin Mere call Belinda on 01704 891238 or email: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk for further information or to obtain a quote.
The centre can be hired during the day for corporate meetings or conferences, or in the evening for functions. Rooms can also be hired for children's birthday parties.
Children's parties are available at the following prices:
Children under the age of 4 is £6.00 per child (1 parent free and then a ration of 1 adult free per 3 children).
Children aged 4 - 12 is £8.00 per child (1 parent free and then a ratio of 1 adult free per 5 children)
Lunches boxes can also be purchased for £3.95 per child and they include a sandwich, fruit drink, crisps and a piece of fruit
Rooms available to hire:
Meeting Room - Maximum of 15 delegates
Lecture Theatre - Maximum of 100 delegates
Half of Greenwood Building - 20 to 30 delegates
Full Greenwood Building - Maximum of 60 delegates
How to find us
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Fish Lane, Burscough
Lancashire
L40 0TA
T: 01704 895181
F: 01704 892343
E: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
Martin Mere Wetland Centre is located six miles from Ormskirk and 10 miles from Southport. It is easily accessible by public and private transport.
WWT Martin Mere is now offering a scheme where visitors who travel to the Centre without a car can receive discount entry on admission.
The reduced admission prices are:
Adult: £9.50
Child: £4.60
Concession: £7.00
By car
Situated off the A59, the Centre is signposted from junction 8 on the M61, junction 3 on the M58 and junction 27 on the M6. It is free to park at the Centre.
By rail
There are three railway stations in close proximity to Martin Mere: Burscough Bridge Interchange (on the Southport - Manchester line) is approximately two miles, New Lane (on the Southport – Manchester line) is approximately 0.8 miles and Burscough Junction (on the Liverpool to Preston line via Ormskirk) is approximately three miles.
Visit: www.traveline-northwest.co.uk for details of North West timetables and journey planner.
By foot
Martin Mere has created a new trail from Burscough Bridge Interchange. The well signposted two mile trail is along local footpaths and includes walking over agricultural land so may not be suitable for prams or wheelchairs. It is also advised to wear good walking boots. The trail begins from behind the Manchester platform at Burscough Bridge Interchange and incorporates local tea rooms and the new Martin Mere reedbed walk. The signs are made out of recycled plastic.
Please be aware that at certain times of the year, summer in particular, the footpath can become overgrown in certain places and it is advised to call the Centre prior to walking it at this time of year. If the path at the station is overgrown you can use an alternative route: Walk down the side of the house on the platform and turn left onto the road, turning left down Moss Nook Road. At the top of Moss Nook Road you walk straight ahead onto the public footpath and you will pick up the fingerposts to Martin Mere.
If there is an issue with the signage on this walk please call Martin Mere on 01704 891220
If there is an issue with the footpath i.e. overgrown or litter, please call Burscough Parish Council on 01704 894914
Click here for information on the Countryside Code
Hire a bike
The Martin Mere Wetland Centre welcomes cyclists as an environmentally friendly and pleasant way to arrive at the centre.
Jack Parker Cycles, in partnership with Martin Mere, now offer cycle hire from the Burscough shop. The hire fleet consist’s of a selection of gent’s, ladies, boys & girls junior bikes all fitted with puncture proof tires, also child seats & tag along bikes are available. All persons hiring will be supplied with helmets, locks and a map of area.
The costs to hire are £8.00 per bike and £4.00 for child seats and tags. All bikes must be booked in advance by telephone on 01704 892442 or by calling into the shop at 62 - 64 Liverpool Road North, Burscough L40 4BY
Cycle stations are located at Burscough Wharf, Burscough Fitness and Racquets Centre and The Ship Inn in Lathom.
All you need to hire a bike is your mobile phone and a debit or credit card and cycle hire is from £1 per hour
Minimum 6 hour initial purchase required however this can be carried forward to your next hire until your membership expires.
Top up your account with more hours anytime either through the website or by calling our automated number 01704 340025.
Thirty day temporary memberships are instantly available when you hire a bike however you can upgrade or pre-join on our website.
Easy to follow instructions are available at all stations.
You are able to hire at one station and leave your bike at another (specific locations only).
Check our website for locations of other cycle hire centres or to check if bikes are available at your chosen station
Further information on bike hire and how to travel without a car around Sefton and West Lancashire, please click on the following link: www.visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk
The Centre is situated on two cycle routes in West Lancashire: the New Lane Circuit (approximately 23.5 miles) and A Grand Tour of West Lancashire (approximately 37.8 miles). Details of the routes can be found at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/cycling/pdf/West%20lanc...
By coach
The centre has parking facilities for large coaches. Parking is free for coaches bringing visitors to the centre.
By air
Manchester Airport is just an hour drive from the Martin Mere Wetland Centre and Manchester Airport Train Station is on the Southport to Manchester train line, providing a direct route to New Lane Train Station, 0.8 miles from the Centre.
WWT's environmental policy
WWT is committed to environmental excellence and the continuous improvement of our environmental performance as part of our overall goal of implementing the pronciples of sustainability in all areas of work.
We recognise that many of our activities have some negative impact on the local, regional, national and global environment. As a consequence, we aim to conduct our business and operations in a way that minimises this impact and mitigates for it whenever possible, reflecting sustainable practices. Specifically we endeavour to:
Review all activities, operations and procedures to identify, quantify and evaluate environmental impact.
Set priorities and targets for environmental improvements in key areas, such as water, waste and energy.
Measure improvements against targets and report progress annually.
Adopt a philosophy of 'reduce, re-use and recycle' in our use of resources, and minimise the environmental impacts associated with our activities.
Meet or exceed all statutory regulations and approved codes of practice on the environment at all locations where possible.
Set our own standards and targets where no relevant Government regulation or code of practice exists.
Incorporate environmental responsibilities and sustainable practices into job descriptions, staff training and appraisals.
Raise awareness of environmental issues amongst staff and volunteers, and encourage individuals to adopt sustainable practices.
Communicate the value of environmental awareness and sustainability to members, supporters and local communities.
Encourage third parties, particularly suppliers and receivers of goods and services, to adopt environmental standards comparable to those of WWT.
Adopt a policy of sale and purchase of goods and services that minimises negative environmental impacts where possible.
Invest in accordance with our environmental policies and regularly review investments to ensure that they do not conflict with the Articles of the Trust.
Implement an environmental action plan to support our environmental policy.
Martin Mere visitor code
Wherever we go and whatever we do, we have an impact.
There are many ways in which you can get involved during your visit to help look after our beautiful area and ensure it is just as special on your next visit. This will also support our commitment to sustainable tourism.
1. Why not get out of the car - walking, riding and cycling are great ways to explore the area without adding to the traffic and you'll find there are fantastic places to visit right on your doorstep!
2. Stay local, eat local, buy local and see local - Lancashire has gained a reputation for fine food and local produce, so why not seek out famers' markets, village stores, pubs and cafes and make a real difference to the local communities.
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - support us in our efforts to reduce waste.
4. Switch off... and save energy - in rural Lancashire you can see the stars at night! Help us reduce energy use and C02 emissions by switching off lights and standby buttons when you don't need them. Help us reduce water consumption by using just the water you need.
5. Follow the Countryside Code - the Countryside Code reminds us all to protect, respect and enjoy: look after plants and animals, take litter away; leave gates and property as you find them; keep dogs under close control; and consider other people.
Excerpt from streetsoftoronto.com/city/biidaasige-park-toronto/:
Toronto just opened its biggest new park in a generation—and it’s absolutely stunning
July 22, 2025
Toronto unveiled its largest new park in a generation on Friday and it is a stunner. This expansive park is part of a major flood protection and revitalization effort that is reshaping the city’s eastern waterfront and setting the foundation for future sustainable communities.
Biidaasige Park sits on Ookwemin Minising, a new island formed through the re-routing and naturalization of the Don River. The name Ookwemin Minising means “place of the black cherry trees” in Anishinaabemowin and reflects the landscape’s Indigenous roots. The creation of the island and park was driven by the need for flood protection in the Port Lands, one of the largest urban renewal efforts in North America.
The Port Lands Flood Protection project, which involved rebuilding the mouth of the Don River, was designed not just to safeguard over 174 hectares of land from future flooding, but to create new natural environments and accessible public space. Biidaasige Park is the first completed public amenity on this reimagined terrain.
Biidaasige Park sprawls over 50 acres.
Biidaasige (pronounced bee-daw-sih-geh) means “sunlight shining toward us,” and the park lives up to its name with bright, open spaces, extensive native plantings, and dynamic features for recreation and play. The park space is spread over a whopping 50 acres (20 hectares) today—with another 10 acres (4 hectares) coming in 2026—the park includes:
•An incredible and huge naturally contoured playground with larger-than-life animal sculptures representing Indigenous dodems (clans)
•The city of Toronto’s first-ever ziplines, which are modest but super fun
•The Badlands Scramble, a waterplay and climbing area
•Picnic grounds and two dog off-leash zones
•A pebble beach-style landing area for launching kayaks and canoes
•Fishing platforms and step-downs to the river for nature access
•Trails for walking and cycling
•Wetlands and native vegetation for birdwatching, including the Don Greenway wetland corridor
This first phase alone features over 5,000 trees, 77,000 shrubs, and two million herbaceous plants—all part of a carefully restored riverine ecosystem.
What makes the new park so impressive, beyond the playground and the amazing spaces designed for people to congregate and enjoy the area, is that it sprawls and you can explore much further afield than one might think up a first visit.
The trails actually run on the other side of the new Don River and stretch all the way to the shipping channel south of the park, which provides an incredible experience for visitors. An area rarely seen up close by anyone who lives here.
Any active types, joggers, cyclists, paddle boarders and kayakers will love this new play space, especially when combined with Cherry Beach for an epic loop option.
While Biidaasige Park is the first completed piece of public space on Ookwemin Minising, the broader vision is ambitious. At 98 acres (39 hectares), the island is expected to eventually support more than 15,000 residents, nearly 3,000 jobs, and 15 additional acres of parkland. Mixed-use developments and sustainable housing are already in planning, made possible by the foundational flood protection work.
The naturalization of the Don River and the creation of Biidaasige Park represent a significant environmental milestone. Where once stood a neglected industrial floodplain, there is now a living river valley with new habitat, green infrastructure, and public access to water—all designed to withstand the climate-related challenges of the future.
The next phase of development will see the expansion of the island community and additional parks and public amenities. The Lassonde Art Trail will open in 2026 alongside the park’s final section. And with plans to accelerate housing construction on both Ookwemin Minising and the adjacent Quayside lands, this newly accessible stretch of the Toronto waterfront is poised to become a model of sustainable and inclusive urban growth.
Sometimes I see myself as a child in a rain storm, running around trying to catch all the drops in his mouth.
I long for your adventures to be like the raindrops the child saves and not those which crash to the ground.
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission
Bronze sculpture of child gymnasts ("Waterplay" by Michael Rizzello, 1993) moved in 2016 to Hemel Hempstead's new town square. The sculpture stands now in front of The Marlowes Shopping Centre. What was the first noise produced by human civilisation? Was it perhaps laughter, the joy of playing children?
Leica M8, Elmar (collapsible) 50/2.8.
Water Droplets.
I revisited doing water droplets in anticipation for the Macro Monday theme of "Water Play." I changed up some of the angles from a previous attempt I did back in January of 2012. Almost 500 shots later, I did manage to have some "keepers" but it was a pain trying to decided which ones to use as many of the "keepers" looked way too alike.
HMM!
Peaked at #23 in Explore
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f-_978yo0E
Innocent droplets of rain
Make almost all events
Quite natural
(from "A Rainy Day")
~ Visar Zhiti, The Condemned Apple: Selected Poetry
© All rights reserved Anna Kwa. Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission
Excerpt from streetsoftoronto.com/city/biidaasige-park-toronto/:
Toronto just opened its biggest new park in a generation—and it’s absolutely stunning
July 22, 2025
Toronto unveiled its largest new park in a generation on Friday and it is a stunner. This expansive park is part of a major flood protection and revitalization effort that is reshaping the city’s eastern waterfront and setting the foundation for future sustainable communities.
Biidaasige Park sits on Ookwemin Minising, a new island formed through the re-routing and naturalization of the Don River. The name Ookwemin Minising means “place of the black cherry trees” in Anishinaabemowin and reflects the landscape’s Indigenous roots. The creation of the island and park was driven by the need for flood protection in the Port Lands, one of the largest urban renewal efforts in North America.
The Port Lands Flood Protection project, which involved rebuilding the mouth of the Don River, was designed not just to safeguard over 174 hectares of land from future flooding, but to create new natural environments and accessible public space. Biidaasige Park is the first completed public amenity on this reimagined terrain.
Biidaasige Park sprawls over 50 acres.
Biidaasige (pronounced bee-daw-sih-geh) means “sunlight shining toward us,” and the park lives up to its name with bright, open spaces, extensive native plantings, and dynamic features for recreation and play. The park space is spread over a whopping 50 acres (20 hectares) today—with another 10 acres (4 hectares) coming in 2026—the park includes:
•An incredible and huge naturally contoured playground with larger-than-life animal sculptures representing Indigenous dodems (clans)
•The city of Toronto’s first-ever ziplines, which are modest but super fun
•The Badlands Scramble, a waterplay and climbing area
•Picnic grounds and two dog off-leash zones
•A pebble beach-style landing area for launching kayaks and canoes
•Fishing platforms and step-downs to the river for nature access
•Trails for walking and cycling
•Wetlands and native vegetation for birdwatching, including the Don Greenway wetland corridor
This first phase alone features over 5,000 trees, 77,000 shrubs, and two million herbaceous plants—all part of a carefully restored riverine ecosystem.
What makes the new park so impressive, beyond the playground and the amazing spaces designed for people to congregate and enjoy the area, is that it sprawls and you can explore much further afield than one might think up a first visit.
The trails actually run on the other side of the new Don River and stretch all the way to the shipping channel south of the park, which provides an incredible experience for visitors. An area rarely seen up close by anyone who lives here.
Any active types, joggers, cyclists, paddle boarders and kayakers will love this new play space, especially when combined with Cherry Beach for an epic loop option.
While Biidaasige Park is the first completed piece of public space on Ookwemin Minising, the broader vision is ambitious. At 98 acres (39 hectares), the island is expected to eventually support more than 15,000 residents, nearly 3,000 jobs, and 15 additional acres of parkland. Mixed-use developments and sustainable housing are already in planning, made possible by the foundational flood protection work.
The naturalization of the Don River and the creation of Biidaasige Park represent a significant environmental milestone. Where once stood a neglected industrial floodplain, there is now a living river valley with new habitat, green infrastructure, and public access to water—all designed to withstand the climate-related challenges of the future.
The next phase of development will see the expansion of the island community and additional parks and public amenities. The Lassonde Art Trail will open in 2026 alongside the park’s final section. And with plans to accelerate housing construction on both Ookwemin Minising and the adjacent Quayside lands, this newly accessible stretch of the Toronto waterfront is poised to become a model of sustainable and inclusive urban growth.