Grange Park Labyrinth

Grange Park is a popular urban green space in downtown Toronto, stretching south of the Art Gallery of Ontario and alongside OCAD University (the Ontario College of Art and Design University). The park's history is closely tied to The Grange, a manor house built in 1820 by the influential Boulton family. The grounds originally served as the front lawn and garden of the estate. When Harriet Boulton bequeathed her property to the Art Museum of Toronto, as it was then called, in 1910, the City of Toronto entered into an agreement in 1911 under which the land south of the manor house would be preserved and maintained as a public park. That arrangement remains in place today, with the art gallery retaining ownership and the city responsible for upkeep.

After a major renovation completed in July 2017, the park looks better than ever. The project, funded jointly by local residents, the city, and the art gallery, aimed to restore the natural beauty of the site. Today you can enjoy an expanded playground with age-appropriate equipment, a splash pad, and a generous lawn. A particular highlight is Henry Moore's sculpture Large Two Forms, which was moved to the park as its central artwork. A carriage path circling the park and a designated off-leash dog area offer additional ways to relax and stay active.

The surroundings are shaped by striking buildings, including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Sharp Centre for Design. At the John Street entrance, you can see the ruins of St. George the Martyr Church, now known as St. George's Grange Park. The park has gone from a neglected state of uneven paths and outdated facilities to a well-kept gathering place. A trust fund ensures the long-term care of the grounds, while the adjacent stretch of John Street is named Harriet Boulton Smith Way in honor of the woman who made the bequest.