Pan Am Games (Toronto)

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address: Nathan Phillips Square
Date: July 2015
Website:  www.toronto2015.org

  The Pan Am Games are coming to Toronto.  Everywhere you look you see the signs.  Buses and subways are covered over in ads promoting the games.  There is a giant countdown clock sitting in Nathan Phillips Square which is counting down to the very second that the games begin.  Across the street from Nathan Phillips Square, The Sheraton Centre has a huge banner hanging down the side proclaiming "The games are coming".

  We were even in Niagara Falls, Ontario and noticed this floral display.

  There are also lots of strange signs appearing around the city.  For example, we spotted this building which was labelled UDAC and was flying the Pan Am Games flag out front.  We discovered that UDAC stands for Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre and that this is where all of the volunteers go to obtain their uniforms.

  Back in Nathan Phillips Square (or should we say NPS) the area has become a main location for enjoying the games.

  Just outside the square in front of Old City Hall, we spotted PACHI on top of a bus shelter.  PACHI the porcupine is the official mascot of the games.  He has 41 coloured quills on his back and each one represents a participating country.  The games are open to North American, South American, and Caribbean countries. The Pan Am Games are held every four years and are the next biggest summer sporting event behind the Olympics.

  As we entered the square we could see the scaffolding getting ready for Panamania.  Panamania is a series of free concerts being held around Toronto for the duration of the games.  There are also plans to broadcast some of the sporting events live on giant screens.

  On the west side of the square is a temporary Pan Am Games Superstore where you can get all your souvenirs from the games.  This includes Pan Am T-shirts, hats, buttons, PACHI dolls or merchandise to show your support for a particular country.  We received some free PACHI stickers just for walking inside to take a look.

  The countdown clock is getting ever closer to the Opening Ceremonies which take place tonight (July 10 2015).  There are actually two clocks.  One counts down to the start of the Pan Am Games, and the second counts down to the start of the Parapan Am portion which runs August 7th to 15th.  The clock counts down all day and night until the final second passes.  Let the games begin!

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Map of Our World
Nathan Phillips Square
Pan Am Games (UDAC)

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Post # 62

CannonDesign

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address: 200 University Ave.
Date: May 2015
Website:  www.cannondesign.com

  During Doors Open Toronto 2015 we visited the offices of architectural firm CannonDesign.  When we arrived we were escorted up to the 12th floor for a look around.  CannonDesign is responsible for designing three of the new venues created for when the Toronto area hosts the 2015 Pan Am Games.

  They designed the Milton Velodrome which will be used for cycling.  A velodrome is a large oval track which is on a steep angle.  The cyclists use the angle to manoeuvre in order to get the best position or gain speed on their opponents.  The bicycles they ride have only one gear and no brakes.  There are only two ways to stop.  You either coast around until you slow down, or you fall off.

   The Hamilton Soccer Stadium they designed will also be used during the games.

   As will a new York University Athletics Stadium designed for hosting track and field events.  All of these venues were designed in hopes that they will serve the communities long after the games have ended.

  We noticed a few other things as we walked freely through their offices.  We noticed that their 12th floor vantage point gives them a great view of Roy Thomson Hall and the CN Tower to the south, and of the Canada Life building and Osgoode Hall to the north.

      We also noticed that one employee is either a McDonald's Grimace fan or else someone in their family is a dead ringer.

  One final room was an area where the architects of tomorrow could work on their plans using paper and glue and popsicle sticks.  It was an interesting idea to show us the designs behind the buildings that are yet to be put into use.  So much of Doors Open is spent talking about the history of the buildings that have survived through time.   Lets hope these sporting arenas are put to good use, starting with the upcoming games.

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Map of Our World
CannonDesign

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Post # 61

Tinside Lido

Location: Plymouth, Devon, England
Address: Hoe Road
Date: Oct 2007
Website:  www.everyoneactive.com

   Tinside Lido is a sea water swimming pool located on the Plymouth Hoe.  The pool takes in water from the surrounding bay, some of which is pumped up into a fountain at the center.  It was built in 1935 and was closed for much needed renovations in 1992.  It re-opened a few years prior to our visit in 2007.  The lido had its Art Deco design fully restored, back to how it appeared when they held beauty contests there or bands performed overlooking the pool.  The word "lido" is used for an outdoor swimming pool and the area around it.  You may most often hear it used on cruise ships to represent the level with the pool.  "Please join us on the Lido Deck this morning at 10 AM for our aquarobics program."
  Tinside Lido is open during the summer months and many of the children from Plymouth have fond memories of  swimming here.  They would be able to look out into the sea, but be protected by the barrier the pool provided.  When we walked along The Hoe with a member of our English family, the pool was closed for the season.  Coincidentally, both our English family member and the Tinside Lido celebrate their 80th birthday this year.
Happy Birthday!

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Map of Our World
Tinside Lido

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Post # 60