Wallace Emerson Park, 1260 Dufferin Street, has been the home of an incredible BMX Park.
To a large, and growing, population of young people it means the world.
It’s a place of dreams, where you can emulate someone you look up to, pull off an amazing
move or create one of your own. It's a place to meet and spend time with people who share
the same passion, to come and dream of one day being just like them, or even better.
You may have seen this same BMX park and not even realized it. It was built to be completely
transportable and was the centrepiece at the 2007 Grey Cup BMX Park Youth Engagement
Project, which was outside the Rogers Centre during the four−day lead−up to the big game. It
was also used in the Toronto BMX Jam 08, held at this year’s International Toronto Bicycle
Show at the Direct Energy Centre.
“Adults working with youth are doing positive activities together in their community. What more
could you possibly ask for,” said Constable Scott Mills, the Toronto Crime Stoppers School
Officer. “This project has gone a long way to build trust between the youth and police and has
a great deal to do with the large increase in the number of Toronto Crime Stoppers received
over the past year.”
Toronto Crime Stoppers received 7,555 tips in 2007, a record number of tips since it began in
Toronto in 1984. That was up from 6,876 in 2006.
“I’m reminded of the movie "Field of Dreams" when I think of this BMX Park” said Detective
Larry Straver, the Co−ordinator of Toronto Crime Stoppers.
“If you build it, they will come."
“This park was built with passion, commitment, and determination. It was always about the
kids. The creator, Michael Heaton, has spent countless hours, not to mention a lot of his own
money, working alongside kids and volunteers. Not only did they build it, but all the ramps

were painted with some incredible artwork. They built it…now they need the people to come
and help keep this dream alive.”
The City of Toronto, Argos' Foundation, N.F.M. Trucking, Canadian Tire, RONA, I.C.I Paints,
J.P. Towing CommunityCave, CSI, are just a few of the organizations and companies that
have been involved with the BMX park in some way.
For a glimpse into what has transpired over the life of this park, you can view it all on this video

Toronto Crime Stoppers would like to ask everyone to please help rebuild the BMX Park. A
trust fund has been setup by Humber College Police Foundation students
(www.csicommunity.com and www.communitycave.com)
You can make your donation at any TD Canada Trust branch.
Transit Number: 1304
Account Number: 6350692
Toronto Crime Stoppers would also like to encourage anyone who may have information
about the fire to call Detective Gord Scott at 416−808−1410 or, if you wish to remain
anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 416−222−TIPS(8477) or leave us a tip online at
www.222tips.com.