[URBAN NOTE] "Private donations for Don River Valley Park could be 'blueprint' for future parks"

[rfmcdonald]

CBC News' Chris Glover reports on the philantrophic donations set to create a megapark in the Don Valley. The park appeals, but I'm unsure as to the broader soundness of this method.

Mayor John Tory introduced six donors Tuesday who have given a combined $3.5 million to help the city develop the first phase of Don River Valley Park — a move the Toronto's mayor says could be a "big blueprint" for developing parks in the future.

Philanthropist Andy Chisholm — along with his wife Laurie — is investing in a public park for the first time, and he couldn't be prouder.

"My wife has always been a strong advocate, with myself, of these natural spaces and this felt like a good way to invest in that," Chisholm said.

The other major investments come from Frances and Tim Price, the Jackman Family, Judy and Wilmot Matthews, Senator Michael Meighen and his wife Kelly, and Trans Canada Trails.

[. . .]

The private money will help convert the largely untapped stretch of urban valley between Corktown Common and the Evergreen Brick Works into a seven-kilometre network of hiking and cycling trails.

The private donation drive could mark a shift in the way Toronto's wealthiest families donate.

Traditionally, hospitals and cultural and educational institutions have received the lion's share of private money.