After more than six decades, The Oculus, a one-of-a-kind space-age park pavilion, is finally getting a facelift.

The unique galactic shelter is well-known to cyclists and pedestrians who pass by a meadow where it is located along the Humber River Recreational Trail in South Humber Park.

The Oculus Revitalization Project was delayed due to COVID-19 and organizers say the work will begin next spring.

They are urging community residents and park lovers to attend a short talk on October 16 about the Oculus’ ‘past, present and future of space and its cultural heritage value.’

Visitors will be able to ask questions, provide feedback and share their thoughts on the pavilion.

Pop up time slots at the facility are slated for 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 2:30 p.m.

Only 20 tickets are available for each slot, due to the virus. There will be five volunteers and only 25 people per talk will be allowed.

“Many are eager to hear about the progress of the project while also enjoying outdoor park spaces,” the organizers wrote on social media.

They will also be revealing a new temporary public art installation at The Oculus, which is designed by Giaimo, a Toronto-based architecture firm and co-led by ACO NextGen.

“The installation will brighten the pavilion until the restoration process is possible in spring 2021,” according to the organizers.

The project is one of five selected for Park People’s Public Space Incubator (PSI) Grant, funded by the Balsalm Foundation and Ken and Eti Greenberg. The project has been further sponsored by the Friends of the Pan Am Path, HNR Properties, and CS Vinyl.

Designed in 1958 by Alan Crossley and built by Toronto Parks a year later, The Oculus, was a former public washroom that stands as an ‘understated monument to Toronto’s mid-century concrete past.’

“Over the last few decades, the pavilion has suffered significant neglect,” the organizers say. “This revitalization project aims to transform The Oculus into a welcoming community gathering place along the trail.”

To register for the talks, or for questions or concerns, please contact stephanie@acotoronto.ca

The wearing of masks and physical distancing are required at this event.