Tommy Thompson Park, also known as the Leslie Street Spit, will be receiving an $8 million upgrade. Work will begin this summer.

Waterfront Toronto and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) have partnered to upgrade the Spit, known for its annual hikes, bird watching, and abandoned miscellany.

Plans include designing a new entranceway and building three new structures, as well as constructing an upgraded ecological research station and "interpretative area," where visitors can get park information and receive shuttle service.

"It's very difficult to get Torontonians to understand what urban wilderness is all about," said Ralph Toninger, a TRCA manager. "The infrastructure will allow us to portray that message of urban wilderness and educate park users."

The Leslie Street Split is a man-made peninsula over 500 hectares in size. It's home to more than 300 species of birds and close to 400 plant species.

The upgrade is expected to be completed by spring 2011.