Everyone loves the freedom, opportunity, and aesthetic appeal of wide open green space, but when it comes to urban living, having green space nearby is an absolute essential amenity. Fortunately, Toronto is home to over 1500 parks and 600 kilometres of trails which, to put in perspective, covers about 13 per cent of the city’s total land area. That’s a lot of greenery! In fact, Toronto was recently named one of the world’s greenest cities by Treepedia, where the M.I.T. / World Economic Forum collaboration calculates a city’s Green View Index based on the percentage of “canopy cover” – neat, eh?
Of course, not all green space is equal, and its enjoyment tends to differ depending on if you are a family or single, whether your idea of leisure time is restful or active, and in what season you most like to take advantage of the great outdoors. For us, one park we most enjoy is Lytton Park, located at 200 Lytton Boulevard. If your ideal park boasts grassy knolls and canopies of mature trees, then you’ll adore Lytton Park! It spreads out over 1.7 hectares, with lots of room to lay out a picnic, have a recreational romp, or simply enjoy a lazy afternoon with a good book!
But what’s most appealing about Lytton is more than the pleasant swaths of green – this park is a true hub of the neighbourhood, and plays a large role in cultivating a a strong sense of community for residents.
Families with young children know the untold value of a fun, safe playground, especially when those little ones have tons of energy to burn! Lytton Park has a great, recently upgraded playground with a variety of play equipment that is appropriate for a number of age groups. It’s also surrounded by benches, which is the perfect set-up for tuckered out caregivers to enjoy a rest or neighbourly chat with other parents, while continuing to supervise. A real bonus! The playground is also nicely enmeshed in a clearing of trees, providing ample shade on hot, humid days.
North Toronto Tennis Club
Lytton Park is also home to the North Toronto Tennis Club. The club features three lit courts and a clubhouse. If you are a beginner or an expert, there is programming to suit your needs, with house league weekly play, round robin tournaments, lessons and a number of social events.
They also have a really good junior program, with after school programming, team play and a sought-after summer camp with half and full day options.
North Toronto Croquet and Lawn Bowling Club
With a history spanning back 104 years, the North Toronto Croquet and Lawn Bowling Club also resides in Lytton Park. The club has two full-size lawns and a fully-equipped clubhouse.; they offer regular clinics and have monthly tournaments. On Thursday nights, members play golf croquet, which is a fun and easy game that the whole family can play together.
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 even engage with your community. How enriching would it be to have this green space within walking distance from your home? For the lucky new owner of Magnificent On Mona Drive Near Avenue And Lawrence, now SOLD, this gorgeous park will be less than a ten minute stroll away! Dreamy!
~ Steven and the Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage • (416) 322-8000
http://www.urbaneer.com • info@urbaneer.com
– earn your trust, then your business –
Like what you’ve read? Consider signing up in the box below to receive our FREE monthly e-newsletter on housing, culture and design including our love for unique urban homes and other Toronto real estate!
Love Canadian Housing? Check out Steve’s Student Mentorship site called Houseporn.ca which focuses on architecture, landscape, design, product and real estate in Canada!
City Living
