Coronation Park

Coronation Park was created in 1934 when the seawall was built from Strachan Avenue to Bathurst Street. A commemorative planting for the park was organized, inspired by war veterans and conservationists such as Richard St. Barbe Barker's "Men of the Trees", an international organization known for its promotion of reforestation as a means of uniting nations. The planting occurred on May 12, 1937, after detailed planning and design led by F. E. Robinson (Men of the Trees - Toronto Chapter), Thomas Hobbs and Andrew Gillespie (Toronto Ex-Serviceman's Coronation Committee). It was believed to be the largest ceremonial planting in Canada at the time. To provide a central focus to the park, a royal oak tree was planted in tribute to King George VI and surrounded by a ring of silver maples, symbolizing the countries of the British Empire. A grove of maple trees was planted in memory of the many Canadian troops who fought overseas.