Evergreen Brick Works “Gathering Circle & Hatching Turtle”

Sep 12

The Geoff Cape Amphitheater at Evergreen Brick Works was created by a multi-disciplinary team of artists, designers, masons, and reclaimed material specialists. In addition to new accessible seating underneath an Anishinaabeg-inspired shade structure, the garden has a new focal point with an integrated gathering circle mosaic pavilion and fire pit, made from reclaimed brick, stone, and slate — including bricks that were made on this exact site by the Don Valley Brickworks while it was in operation from 1889 until the 1980s. These bricks spent decades in the walls of homes and businesses in Toronto, until being carefully salvaged to find a second life in projects like this and in masonry restoration projects throughout Ontario.

The stones are from the shores of Lake Ontario and the mosaic patterns were created by children, then expertly installed amongst the bricks and hand-carved sandstone by skilled masons. The creation of this functional and symbolic place was a true collaboration.

This Amphitheatre honours Geoff Cape’s leadership and support of Evergreen over the last 30 years, especially his role in creating Evergreen Brick Works. The official opening of the gathering space in the Children’s Garden was celebrated in early September 2025, concurrently with Evergreen’s 15 year anniversary since opening the Brick Works.

We encourage you to visit the garden and experience the detail of this project in person; The Children’s Garden is open to the public on weekdays from 4:00pm to dusk and weekends 8:00am to dusk. https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-work/activities/the-childrens-garden/

Year Completed: 2025

Location: Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Masonry Scope: Hardscape pavilion with fire pit

Key Features: Reclaimed brick, fire pit, custom stone, mosaic

Project Team: