Thursday, May 14, 2009

Lakefront Promenade Park

Lakefront Promenade and the Waterfront Trail - South of Cawthra Rd and Lakeshore Rd E.

Although this park is in Mississauga it is worth mentioning. It is just east of the Toronto/Mississauga boarder and is easily accessible via transit. Just east of Cathraw Rd you'll find Lakefront Promenade. If you follow the street south it will lead you into a chain of parks and Marinas connected by the Waterfront Trail. You can walk through the connected parklands and cross the creek to continue east on the Trail. A branch also heads north along the Cooksville Creek back towards Lakeshore Rd.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Berry Road Park

Berry Road Park - Located at the end of Berry Road west of Park Lawn Rd.

As you drive into the parking lot at the end of Berry Rd don't be misled by the tiny look of the park with it's one bench. This is but the entrance to a number of trails that follow the Mimico Creek. You can follow the trail south to Woodford Park (at The Queensway) or north to Reid Manor Park. Either way offers great views of the creek and a great shady trail to explore on a hot summer day.






Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Marie Curtis Park

Marie Curtis Park: On The Lakeshore between Browns Line and Dixie rd.

Marie Curtis park was created in 1954 after the high flood waters caused by Hurricane Hazel devastated a number of low-lying properties. It's a great place to picnic with the family or stroll on sand beaches. There is plenty of free parking available (as well as being accessible by transit). You can enjoy walking along a section of the "Water Front Trail" or explore the forests many bike paths. Rec facilities include; playground area, wading pool, baseball diamond, supervised beach (July and August), public boat launch ramps and moorings.



Friday, May 8, 2009

Cherry Beach - The Toronto Beaches

Cherry Beach - formally known as Clarke Beach Park at the foot of Cherry St.

Cherry Beach
is located just west of the downtown Toronto core. It is a popular beach for dogs to romp free on the sand beaches and in Lake Ontario (although many Beaches residence would like to see the leash free dog park to be moved away from the waters edge). If you're dog friendly then this is a great place to relax and watch the local dogs play. If you're not dog friendly you may want to visit a different lakeside park. Although this beach is in the heart of Toronto's underdeveloped portlands area it offers beautiful views of personal and commercial boats/ships entering and leaving the harbor.


Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Echo Valley Park

Echo Valley Park - Echo Valley Rd. Kipling Ave. and Burnhamthorpe area.

Mimico Creek connects many small parks north of Echo Valley Rd. You can stroll through Hampshire Heights park, under the bridge at Martin Grove Rd and north through West Deane Park to Eglinton Ave West. There are many smaller dirt paths that run along the creek and offer shade to walkers on a hot sunny day. South from Echo Valley Park, across the creek, you'll find the Islington Golf Course . Have a seat on the park bench to watch golfers on the green.



Friday, May 1, 2009

Centennial Park - Etobicoke

Centennial Park - Green House and surrounding area. Rathburn /
Elmcrest Rd.

Centennial Hill (formerly Mount Garbage), is a hill that was the site of a municipal dump which has been converted into a neighborhood park, botanical gardens, and ski hill. It is a beautiful example of reclaiming the green within the city limits. It has numerous picnic areas equipped with BBQs and picnic tables in the shade. There is a go-cart track, fishing pond, baseball pitch and sand volleyball courts. Not to forget the stadium, arena and rec center with pools, gymnastics room and more! It really is worth taking the day and discovering what this former garbage dump has to offer the community.