The ‘Mayor of The Beach’ honoured with opening of Gene Domagala Park

With family and friends in attendance, Gene Domagala (the Mayor of The Beach) was honoured at a ceremony last Friday afternoon to officially open the park named after him.

Located at 144 Stephenson Ave., just southwest of Main Street and Danforth Avenue, Gene Domagala Park is relatively small at the moment but it is expected to be expanded in both size and amenities in the coming years.

At the ceremony on Friday, Sept. 18, Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford joined Domagala and family members to cut the ribbon officially opening the new park.

A local historian, community champion, volunteer, and columnist for Beach Metro Community News, the park is another tribute to 85-year-old Domagala who also has a laneway named after him in the Main Street and Gerrard Street East area.

“To me, given that I have worked so many years with members of the Parks and Rec department in the city, it is special,” said Domagala in an interview with Beach Metro Community News at the park’s opening ceremony.

He said the area where the park is located, near a key intersection in East Toronto that is rich with history, is especially meaningful to him.

“It’s right in the area where everything began for East Toronto. Prior to all of the big buildings that are now here, this was where so much of the community history started,” said Domagala.

“This is a real honour to me. I know it sounds corny but when I see my friends here and everybody who has helped me out, it is special to me. You can’t replace all the memories and experiences I’ve had here for the last 60 years. It culminates when I see my family and everybody here.”

Though he has been a near iconic figure to generations of Beachers due to his ceaseless and impactful volunteer work in support of the community, and his immensely popular Historic Walks through East Toronto neighbourhoods, Domagala actually grew up in the west end of Toronto before moving to the Beach.

Gene and his wife Pat recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, and she was among the many family members, including grandchildren, at Friday’s ceremony to open the park and unveil the sign.