Having access to green space is a high-value amenity that draws urbanites to certain Toronto neighbourhoods over others. But these days, given that we are spending so much more time at home with lockdowns and social distancing, having a go-to park for some quiet respite – or to meet up with friends – is an absolute must!
With Spring finally here (sigh), we’d like to talk about one of our favourite parks in the city, Earlscourt Park, which offers leisure and outdoor harmony for all the seasons! It’s located at Caledonia Road and St. Clair Avenue West and spans 2.6-hectares (that’s 36 acres!). Earlscourt is perfect for getting fresh air and exercise – while staying safe through social distancing – and has something for everybody.
Photo courtesy of http://labyrinths.ca/
Lots To Do, All Year Round
For active folks, this park is the perfect destination. There are tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, multi-purpose sports fields, a track, volleyball courts, playgrounds, a wading pool, lovely walking trails, a community garden, tons of green space and more.
In 2021, there is a new splash pad planned, which is the ideal (and fun) place for an outing on a summer’s day.
There is even a fenced off-leash dog park, which will delight pet owners!
The park is home to tons of events and festivals throughout the year, like a haunted house and pumpkin parade at Halloween, a park cleanup, children’s programming in the summer, or a family ‘planting session’ in the Spring – just to name a few!
Perhaps the jewel of this park is the Giovanni Caboto complex which has a huge outdoor pool with a waterslide and tennis courts (and a large artificial ice rink in the Winter months!)
The Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre is just adjacent to the park. There is an indoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, gyms, meeting rooms and a host of programming for the young and the young-at-heart alike There’s also an indoor soccer field, and courts to play bocce – a favourite”sport” of mine
The ‘Did You Know…’ Game: Fun Facts About Earlscourt Park
Earlscourt Park isn’t just a neighbourhood hub in the present day. This park just celebrated its 100th anniversary last year (October 23rd to be exact), and has evolved greatly over the years. Here is an interesting overview of the park, with some tidbits from its century long-history and aerial photographs.
This incredible mural was done in honour of the 100th anniversary, celebrating what this park means to this community. Speaking of paintings, check out the one below, entitled ‘Preston Villa’, depicting what the property looked like in 1893. Before the city bought the land and turned it into a park (thanks to the urging of the surrounding community), the land had been part of a personal estate. In fact, there is also a black pen version from the same perspective that was simply labelled ‘George Cooper’s House’. Interesting, right?!
*1893 sketch of Preston Villa (now Earlscourt Park) Davenport and Lansdowne Ave. Attributed to Owen Staples (1866-1949) Source: Toronto Public Library
As public transportation was built up through the 20th century, Earlscourt Park became a popular spot for group activities, like festivals, picnics, concerts and other events, because of its easy access by streetcar and train. If you are a history buff, you’ll enjoy this self-guided tour of Earlscourt Park. And when there was a housing crisis just after the Second World War, temporary homes were constructed in the park.
For the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games in 2015, the fields at Earlscourt Park were used as a pre-training venue.
*Image courtesy of Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games/Parapan Am Games
Did you know that in the 1960s the large outdoor artificial rink was used for competitive speed skating training for Toronto skaters? It was the largest artificial ice sheet at the time in Toronto.
It makes this park even more special when you consider the role it has played in this community for generations.
We’re so thankful for all the green space available for Torontonians to enjoy; they’re always just a stroll – or TTC ride – away!
Can you imagine how fantastic life could be with such a selection of outdoor activities, all just beyond your front door?
Check out our SOLD listing on Symington Avenue, just around the corner from Earlscourt Park! –> Spring Blooms Fresh Beginnings On Symington Avenue.
Questions? Interested in a private viewing? Please contact James Ormston!
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