One of the best features of the original City of Toronto – long regarded as ‘the city of neighbourhoods‘ – is how the fabric of our urban landscape is like a colourful patchwork quilt of domesticity. Each neighbourhood pocket, woven into the threads of the others surrounding it, has its own unique qualities that have evolved over time, creating the patina and character that makes each of them special and Toronto so vibrant.
Dotted amidst our city of neighbourhoods is an eclectic assortment of parks, too. Some are spaces for contemplation or laying out a blanket to read or enjoy a picnic. Others have playgrounds, dedicated recreational uses, and facilities. Each of them is unique, but they all offer the opportunity to take a moment to stop, be still and BREATHE.
It’s an easy and essential way to decompress from the ravages of everyday life. And it’s a habit I’ve been developing for over 2 decades.
Cedarvale Park
Sprawling Cedarvale Park – located south of Eglinton, north of Vaughan Road, and west of Bathurst Street – is a really generous green space. It’s triangular in shape, in part because it wraps a deep, steep, naturalized ravine with a footpath running through its wetlands and young regrowth forest that’s been there for as long as anyone can remember. For a time it was part of the Urban Walk Series – combining the Cedarvale Ravine and Beltline Trail into a 7.2-km out-and-back trail that takes around 90 minutes to complete. It’s a leisurely yet active engaging activity that costs nothing yet you’ll feel much richer for the experience. One might even enjoy this stroll with an out-of-town visitor as they”ll be astonished at how verdant and peaceful it is, despite being in the centre of the city.
Since the 2000s, increasing ecological awareness has changed priorities among those who use the land regularly, with re-naturalization projects underway throughout. This is a big deal, considering the park’s past. It has survived having the burying of Castle Frank Brook and Cedarvale Creek, being part of the Spadina Storm Trunk Sewer, almost having had the Spadina Expressway cut directly through it, and of course all the digging for the Yonge line subway that now runs underneath. But it’s bounced back with vigour!
Cedarvale Park also has some terrific recreational amenities including the Phil White Arena – a venue that offers various Learn-to-Skate programs from October thru March each year as well as ice for private bookings. Outdoors there are four outdoor tennis courts (less waiting for court time!), two sport fields (cricket anyone?), and a baseball diamond. The kiddos can beat the summer heat in the splash pad or burn off energy all year on the playground. And there’s also an adult playground – and by that, I mean “outdoor fitness equipment” – which is located on the north side near Heath Street.
Do you know what else has been happening in the park, lately? Kite flying! Cedarvale’s wide-open fields definitely have their advantages!
The park is just as popular in the winter; there are outdoor rec opportunities to be found everywhere, from snowshoeing the quiet forested trails, to toboggan racing down the park’s multitude of hills, to performing triple axels at the outdoor rink! Have you tried snow tennis? It’s exactly what it sounds like!
Consider shutting down your phone, unplugging your tablet, and taking a stroll through this engaging green space. Parks are often underused, yet they’re mentally, emotionally and physically restorative! I invite you to experience a different type of idyllic and engaging urban moment.
See you there!
For more information about all the ‘goings on’ check out the Friends Of Cedarvale Park and on Facebook!
443 Arlington Ave,
York, ON
M6C 3A2
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.
Wouldn’t it be enriching to have this green space within walking distance from your home? Check out our listing we just sold in the neighbourhood – An Opportunity To Transform A Vintage Bungalow Steps To The New Oakwood Station – located just a ten-minute stroll west! Just two blocks south of Eglinton and the new Oakwood Station on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT!
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
Carefree At Christie Pits 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
Thanks for reading!
– Steve & The Urbaneer Team
If you’re considering purchasing or selling Toronto real estate, consider speaking with us about your housing wishes, wants and needs. Why? Because along with helping you create your personal custom housing matrix, we develop a comprehensive, data-driven, tactical strategy tailored specifically for you and your objectives. This is especially important during changing times when there are so many mitigating factors shaping our economic and socio-political climates (oh, don’t forget the Climate Crisis too!).
May we be of assistance to you, or someone you love? Because we’d really like to be your realtor of choice.
Engaging, educated, experienced and excellent in client care, invite us to earn your trust, then your business.
The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-8000
– we’re here to earn your trust, then your business –
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