‘Getting away from it all’ – to relax, to commune with nature, or simply to enjoy the fresh, Autumn air – is relatively easy in Toronto, if you know where to look. Given the City’s extensive network of parks, natural bush and woodlands, ravine system, and more, there’s plenty of opportunity to give yourself a break from all the asphalt and concrete.
However, not all green spaces are created equal. Size, amenities, tree canopy, residents… many factors can influence the experience.
But on the city’s west side, one of our favourites is Dufferin Grove Park.
As far as Toronto parks go, Dufferin Grove Park is on the larger side, at 5.3 hectares. Nestled in the centre-ish of the Dufferin Grove neighbourhood, it’s a reliable destination for relaxation and recreation, but more importantly, for connection. The park serves as a gathering place that brings the Dufferin Grove community together in a way that many other green spaces don’t seem to. Perhaps that’s telling – not just about the park itself, but the community that surrounds it.
Its collaborative community-run website ‘Friends of Dufferin Grove’ (formed in 1993) posts park events, relevant city council news, meeting minutes, photos, and much more, including a history of the land itself. For example, they advertise the performances of troupes like ‘Clay and Paper Theatre’, who develop and perform theatrical shows regularly during the summer months.
I’d say that my favourite amenity – and certainly the most impressive – is a natural one, in the form of a canopy of mature trees, providing a wealth of shade for reading, picnicking, or simply providing respite from a sweltering summer day. Not to mention it transforms into a riot of colour in the Autumn. (Voted best park for shade by BlogTO!) The park also features a collection of artificial amenities too, including two wading pools, a multi-purpose sports field, a basketball court, an ice rink, a clubhouse, a gazebo, a skateboard park, a campfire pit, and a great playground.
The largest attraction to the park is likely the Farmer’s Market, which runs every Thursday 3:00pm-7:00pm all year around, outdoors around the rinkhouse in summer; on the rinkpad in fall; in and around the rinkhouse in winter.
The facilities just underwent a major facelift, including “a renovated Clubhouse, including a new kitchen, an enlarged multi-purpose room for community use, new all-gender and universal washrooms and improved storage space and consolidated utilities; a new double-pad ice rink; a separate Zamboni garage; a new basketball court with six basketball nets (including two at child-height); a permeable pedestrian plaza between the Clubhouse and rinks and other green stormwater management and sustainability features; and accessibility improvements to this corner of the park to meet AODA standards with improved pathways, additional seating, and more efficient and effective lighting.” – DTAH Design Firm
Perhaps the most unique features of the park are the two wood ovens near the basketball court and ice rink. Abutting community vegetable gardens that provide a bounty at harvest time, these ovens are most commonly used to bake bread and pizza – by individual residents, at the farmer’s markets, and even through the winter months! Best of all, festivals and events seek out Dufferin Grove Park because of this particular amenity, bringing awareness and revenue to the area.
Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, spending time in your neighbourhood park – or exploring new parks – is a great way to get some fresh air, soak up some much-needed Vitamin D, and engage with your community. Wandering through my own neighbourhood, it gives me the warm fuzzies to receive a ‘hello’ from across a street, to stop and chat with another dog walker, or even just to receive a wave or two. It increases the vibes of familiarity – and by extension ownership and responsibility – which is where community pride really blossoms.
That feeling of camaraderie and goodwill – particularly in a huge city – is comforting and strengthening and shouldn’t be taken for granted!
How amazing would it be to have Dufferin Grove Park – a top-tier green space – just a 15-minute stroll from your front door? If you’re in the market for new digs, properties like the one below are definitely worth your family’s consideration!
We call it: A Fantastic Flex House In Dovercourt Village – NOW SOLD!
We’re delighted to introduce you to this charming Flex House nestled on a 21 x 118 foot lot with laneway access to a quaint 2-car garage (plus it has approval for an as-of-right laneway dwelling!) Constructed in 1910 with a later 2-storey extension built on the rear of this dwelling, this residence possesses oodles of curb appeal.
Offering an intelligent flexible space plan, this property can be used in its current iteration as two 2-bedroom suites, or easily converted into a 3+1 bed, 2 bath residence with main floor family room. Need more space? This property has the as-of-right approvals for a 2-storey laneway dwelling of about 1350 square feet! Well-situated, well-proportioned, and welcoming, this residence is an ideal opportunity!
Contact James Ormston (james@urbaneer.com) or Steven Fudge (steve@urbaneer.com), with any questions.
* Title image courtesy of BlogTO, with thanks!
How many of these other 34 amazing Toronto parks located near properties we’ve promoted for sale or rent have you visited?
Getting Back To Nature On The Don River
Our Favourite Off-Leash Dog Parks In Toronto
Creativity & Ingenuity Intersect At Underpass Park In Corktown
Walking The Wonderful Williamson Park Ravine In The Upper Beach
Carefree At Cassels Park In The Upper Beach
Rennie Park: A Vital Lockdown Playground!
We Adore Kew Gardens In The Beaches
East Lynn Park: The Heart Of A Community
We Love Sorauren Park In Roncesvalles Village
Explore Expansive Sherwood Park In Midtown Toronto
Let’s Play At Riverdale Park East In Toronto
A Lotta Love For Toronto’s High Park
Splashing It Up At Berczy Park’s Dog Fountain
Toronto’s Terrific Trinity Bellwoods Park
Bickford Park: An Oasis Of Green
Let’s Catch Up At Earlscourt Park!
A Gold Star For Toronto’s Green Line Linear Park
Stephenson Park Near Main And Danforth
A Pocket Full Of Sunshine: Phin Avenue Parkette
Symphony Of The Senses At Harbourfront’s Toronto Music Garden
We Adore Kew Gardens In The Beaches
Thanks For Coleman Park At Main And Danforth
Barking Good Time At Baird Park
Strolling Massey Harris Park & Stanley Park On King West In Toronto
Ski The Slopes At Earl Bales Park Near Bathurst & Lawrence
Want to have someone on your side?
Since 1989, I’ve steered my career through a real estate market crash and burn; survived a slow painful cross-country recession; completed an M.E.S. graduate degree from York University called ‘Planning Housing Environments’; executed the concept, sales & marketing of multiple new condo and vintage loft conversions; and guided hundreds of clients through the purchase and sale of hundreds of freehold and condominium dwellings across the original City of Toronto. From a gritty port industrial city into a glittering post-industrial global centre, I’ve navigated the ebbs and flows of a property market as a consistent Top Producer. And I remain as passionate about it today as when I started.
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Serving first and second-time Buyers, relocations, renovators, and those building their long-term property portfolios, our mandate is to help clients choose the property that will realize the highest future return on their investment while ensuring the property best serves their practical needs and their dream of “Home” during their ownership.
Are you considering selling? We welcome providing you with a comprehensive assessment free of charge, including determining your Buyer profile, ways to optimize your return on investment, and tailoring the listing process to suit your circumstances. Check out How Urbaneer Sold An East York Bungalow ‘Estate Sale’ For Redevelopment to learn more about what we do!
Consider letting the Urbaneer Team guide you through your Buying or Selling process, without pressure, or hassle.
We are here to help!
Thanks for reading!
-The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-800
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