Old East Common
A community green space located in the Old East Area of London
Building Common Ground
LIFE*SPIN moved to our current location in 2005. We started the “Building Common Grounds Project” in 2006 to provide community green space in the Old East neighbourhood. The first step, however, was to remove the dilapidated house located at 423 Ontario Street just behind LIFE*SPIN, and create an empty lot.
A comprehensive study, conducted by the Geography Department at the University of Western Ontario, found there was insufficient recreational and green space in the Dundas corridor area where, LIFE*SPIN was located. This lack of shared community space left residents isolated inside their homes, where they struggled individually.
In 2006, residents in the area were contracts through a door-to-door survey, and then invited to a community forum to share their design ideas. These ideas from residents helped to create the blueprints for the space, which were consolidated into a landscape plan by Landscape Architect Gabriel Sanio.
Green spaces serve as gathering places to interact with neighbours. This heritage garden gives more than 3,000 people in this neighbourhood a green space and a play area for their families and themselves to spend time. Providing a sense of community and ownership.
This is How our Garden Grew…
Community Planning & Design
2006
Garden Shed and Storm Water Reclamation System
2007
Tree Planting 20 Shade Trees and Garden Fencing North
2008
Patio Garden Fencing North and South
2009
Garden Entry Arbor and Garden Fencing South and East
2010
Accessible Pathways
2011
Living Roof Shed and Arborist Trim
2015
Canada 150 Community Celebration
2017
Improvements to Storm Water Reclamation System & Driveway
2018
Special thanks are due to the leadership of Stephanie Owns & Meagan Pyper and the
volunteer contributions of Home Depot, Western Serves, and residents of our Housing Initiative.
Garden Grooves Music Festival in
the Old East Common
Summer in the Old East Common also provides a relaxed environment for local musicians to come and perform. A wonderful break from Market Shopping to come over and enjoy music and refreshments.
*Garden Grooves Music Festival is presently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
