The Globe and Mail

Even in a rundown and bare courtyard on a busy section of Dundas Street East, ecological designer Mark Lakeman sees potential. "It's all here, but no one's made the commitment," he says. Receding grass is pockmarked by cement slabs. Overhead, a sign bolted onto a rusted metal pole warns passersby that this park is under camera surveillance. A worn-out brick path slices the park into halves, making it useless for soccer, football or other sports. "Even if you don't know the word 'maintenance,' you can tell this looks cheap," he says.