Toronto Island Public/Natural Science School: A Legacy of Outdoor Learning

The Toronto Island Public/Natural Science School dates back to 1888, when the Toronto District School Board first opened a one-room-schoolhouse on Centre Island. The attendance of the school fluctuated with the population of the Toronto Islands throughout the decades.

A new school was built between 1997 and 1999, opening its doors to students that same year. Currently, 185 students between Kindergarten and Grade 6 attend the school.

Creating Outdoor Comfort in Toronto Island Park

With a beautiful natural space to facilitate outdoor learning, the TDSB needed to consider the safety and comfort of their students. To solve this problem, the TDSB approached Shade Sails Canada to design and install a unique Shade Sail array for their outdoor classroom amphitheatre.

This outdoor learning space is nestled in the heart of Toronto Island Park, making it a key location where education meets nature.

Unique Design Considerations for the Island Environment

The steep grade of the location required special design considerations. The smooth coordination of equipment and project assets was essential, especially while operating on an island in Lake Ontario.

An additional unique aspect of this project was the integration of Shade Sail locations among existing trees, without causing any disruption to the natural environment.

A Lasting Outdoor Solution

Today, the Shade Sails at the outdoor classroom amphitheatre on Centre Island protect students while they enjoy learning outdoors and connecting with nature. This thoughtful installation helps support the TDSB’s educational mission while preserving the natural beauty of Toronto Island Park.