Fungi of the Woods

Mushrooms have vast underground networks whereby they can communicate with each other to warn of danger, alert to positive growing conditions, and ultimately create a community. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of underground fungal networks called mycorrhiza. These networks break down soil nutrients and connect tree roots along long great distances. Mushrooms, through mycorrhiza, use means of communication that are not immediately visible, and so too do people. Through body language and gestures, cultural norms and values, we also communicate through non-verbal means. Equally important are these means and methods, particularly in a neighbourhood that is as diverse and unique as Applewood – Rathwood.

The cluster of sculptural mushrooms is connected to the diagonal path of the Community Centre’s open space via a universally accessible rubberized surface.

The ground plane is playfully coloured by rubberized surfacing strands referencing the network of mycorrhiza around the bases of the mushrooms. The tall mushroom acts as a canopy to protect visitors from sun, rain, and snow. The top of the shorter mushroom is of an accessible seat height. Its surface gently curves upwards, allowing teens to lean back and look at the sky, for wheelchair visitors to nest beside, and for children to scamper upwards, and then rise to a rounded top for perching – a place to see and be seen.

Fungi of the Woods is an artwork that is accessible physically, sonically, and tactilely. The design embraces the principles of universal accessibility, where elements are accessible to people regardless of age, physical ability, or other factors. The City of Misssisauga’s 2015 Facility Accessibility Design Standards defines minimum requirements for movement within spaces and was the basis for this design.

In terms of sensory activations, the tall sculptural mushroom stem will have raised dimple-like forms that people can run their hands upon, and the hollow metal forms will ring upon tapping. People of varying abilities will be able to engage with the artwork independently and with dignity.

The rubberized surfacing is made from 3,500 pounds of recycled Canadian tires funded by Kal’s RePlay Fund, a community program of Kal Tire.

Kal’s RePlay Fund provides grants for public infrastructure upgrades using recycled rubber products. Since 2019, Kal Tire has worked with non-profits, school boards, First Nations and municipalities to aid in recycling millions of pounds of rubber tires to build enhanced, inclusive spaces.

Through an open call to artists, the City’s public art program invited professional artists and artist teams to submit credentials and expressions of interest. Submissions were evaluated by an independent art selection committee and four applicants were shortlisted and invited to develop proposals.

The City of Mississauga heard from over 1400 local residents and visitors who provided their input on these four public art proposals. Fungi of the Woods received the highest number of votes (670), more than twice the number of the second-place proposal (330). The art selection committee selected Fungi of the Woods based on the selection criteria and survey feedback.

The art selection committee was comprised of individuals with expertise in design, architecture, curatorial practice, arts education, accessibility, urban planning, lived experience, and knowledge of the local neighbourhood.