Any urban centre faces challenges in providing access to ample green space for those who live there. Toronto does well in this respect by increasing its commitment to bringing nature to the City; we currently have 1,500 existing parks and 600 kilometres of trails, which translates to about 8,000 hectares — about 13 percent of Toronto’s overall land area! (In 2017, we were ranked one of the greenest cities in the world!)
I mean, just look at this drone photo we took from Riverdale in the fall of 2023:
Toronto – located on an escarpment to Lake Ontario – has an abundance of parks, fields, parkettes, and walking trails located in the heart of the original City. Many people are surprised at how extensive our green space is, as it’s not easily apparent in our automobile-centric lives. The City is also committed to bringing in more green. For example, for each development project downtown, a developer must either donate parkland — if the site is large enough — or pay into the Parkland Dedication Fund, which uses the money to create new parks and refurbish existing ones. Pretty neat, eh?
It’s really not the size or location that makes a Toronto park a standout, as they’re all oases of green in a cement world; they offer an opportunity for rest (shaded park benches instead of plastic bus shelters), relaxation (stretched out on a soft picnic blanket instead of leaning against the nearest brick wall), and of course, exercise!
Riverside/Leslieville residents enjoy proximity to a few great green spaces, but Jimmie Simpson is probably at the top of the list alongside Greenwood. It’s hidden right in the heart of the neighbourhood – between the two major arteries of Queen and Dundas – making it incredibly accessible. Even if you’re a neighbourhood tourist for the day, the Dundas Streetcar pulls up right in front of the park!
Its facilities are probably why Jimmie Simpson ranks highly among residents:
– Tennis Courts
– Ice rink in the winter, which doubles as a boarded in street hockey area in the summer.
– Community Centre
– Baseball diamond
– Soccer field
The park also plays host to festivals, concerts, fitness classes, and an assortment of community events like the Riverdale Art Walk (Jun 1, 2024 – Jun 2, 2024).
It’s also extremely popular with the neighbourhood’s dog owners (though there isn’t a leash-free zone.)
Jimmie Simpson is well-loved for its offerings, but even more so as a gathering place and a community touchstone; it brings together friends and neighbours and contributes to a communal sense of pride!
Let’s not take our neighbourhood parks for granted! Any green space in the city holds the potential to elevate and improve well-being and the quality of life for all who share in it!
Take a peek at this listing we SOLD in Leslieville. We call it: So Sweet Ya Gotta Brush Yer Teeth – On Colgate Avenue In Leslieville.
This sun-kissed ground floor unit – one of only two 2-bed units on this level – has a premium patio with south exposure. Seriously, whether you’re in the bloom of youth, baby-making, giving your boss the Freedom 55 finger – or just YOU being YOU – when you live here life will be more dynamic, people will be more engaging, and everything that matters will be within walking distance!
How many of these other 35 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
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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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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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