In 1909 the Christie Sand Pits were converted into Willowvale Park. The name did not stick. Today, with baseball courts, swimming pool, children’s playground and an annual film festival they are well loved and well used. That’s in spite of confusion over their name (should it be Christie or Christy?) and memories of the bloody Christie Pits Riot when, in 1933, young Jewish- and Italian-Canadian baseball players saw off an invasion by the east end the Nazi Pit Gang. The Pits have a rich past but they do need revitalization. Brendan Stewart of ERA Architects presented on heritage interpretation in landscape design; Mary MacDonald, Manager of City of Toronto Heritage Preservation Services described the history and context of the site; Ward 19 Councillor Mike Layton described upgrades already in progress. Eighteen NextGens in four multidisciplinary teams set about revisioning, with an emphasis on heritage interpretation, to make the history of Christie Pits more tangible.

First and second choices of judges Mary MacDonald, landscape and urban designer Lara Herald of ERA, Kaitlin Wainwright, Director of Programming, Heritage Toronto  Landscape Architect Brian Jacobs and Councillor Layton were:

Green Team's “Unearthing Forgotten Histories” with lookout points, public art, a central “rock beach” and wetland, presented with thorough analysis and clear and professional graphics.

Yellow Team’s “Christie Canal”, a complex and bold scheme, supported by beautiful hand drawn plans and diagrams, a rich material palette and thoughtful programming of activities, including the promise of a naturalized linear ice rink.