Parks selected for events have an integral role in the success of the event. Each park has different features and its own character, and the tangible and intangible elements of each site affect what happens in the space, who enters the space and how the space is used. This section will help you understand the various influential factors that exist in parks and provide you with topics to consider while developing your programming.

The park selection process can be complex and nuanced – requiring the involvement of multiple stakeholders. TAF and TAC have specifically sought out parks in areas of Toronto that have had very limited access to arts programming. Some of these parks are located in neighbourhoods that have been designated by the city’s Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy 2020 as Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIA). Most of the selected parks are located in the Greater Toronto Area’s “inner suburbs”. Some parks have been selected because they are in a neighbourhood with a strong social infrastructure or a high-capacity “Friends” group. In the planning stages, AITP met individually with City Councillors to get their input into the selection of parks in their area of the city.

When searching for a suitable park it’s possible you will have to compete with other events and other stakeholders, such as local recreational sports teams. Depending on who is in charge of maintenance, supervision and management of the park (i.e. a park supervisor), you may need to plan for some careful relationship management. Spending extra time in meetings or communications and clearly outlining your event requirements and expectations to the park management staff are very important.

One of the first steps should be to book an onsite meeting in the park with key stakeholders and park staff. Be sure to send a clear and concise event information package in advance that explains what the event will look and feel like, how the audience will flow through, what your seating plan is and any emergency plans. Identify the designated event area and why that area is best for your event. Be prepared to compromise. Park staff may be nervous to approve activities that are unfamiliar, but they are likely just trying to conserve the park, protect it from potential damage and guard against liability.

You will also need to be sensitive to surrounding contexts. For example, you may meet with resistance if you are planning a very loud event in a quiet, residential neighbourhood. Be prepared to respond to any neighbourhood complaints by making changes to address concerns. A single complaint to the mayor or a city councillor’s office can thwart months of planning, so be prepared to allay any fears from community members in a real and substantial way. Good relationship management is a core part of Arts in the Parks events.

Locations are selected based on a variety features, including:

• Design features (such as a shade structures, community centres, amphitheatres, etc.)
• Natural features (trees, hills, water, etc.)
• Amenities and facilities (washrooms, water fountains, fieldhouses, parking, etc.)