Is traffic congestion, chaotic commitments, or toddler tantrums getting you down?
Stress relief can be as simple as a walk in the park.
Recent research shows that taking a stroll through a natural setting can boost energy and focus, and taking in the sights and sounds of nature appears to be especially beneficial for our minds. Similarly, the experience of listening to music has been linked to the production of dopamine in our bodies, which gives us pleasure. When a particularly powerful piece of music gives us “the chills,” researchers have cited this as an emotional process. Music has the power to bring back memories, improve our moods, enhance the tone of a film, make us fall in love – and perhaps most importantly, it has the power to heal.
So what could be more amazing than a park designed by the inspiration of music?
At Urbaneer, we support maintaining inner balance in a busy urban life, so we love to visit rejuvenating green spaces often – like the Toronto Music Garden on Harbourfront. Located at 475 Queen’s Quay West on the waterfront – between Bathurst Street and Spadina Avenue – residents and tourists alike love this serene spot!
What’s particularly amazing, this pleasant urban garden was designed by the internationally renowned cellist, Yo Yo Ma, and landscape designer, Julie Moir Messervy, as a landscape reflection of Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major. How cool is that?!
Designed to reflect the six dance movements, each one corresponds to a different section of the garden. We start at the Prelude, represented by a wave-like curve of a river-scape with low-growing plants softening its banks. The nearby alley of native Hackberry trees suggest measures of music. The Allemande, an ancient German dance, is represented by a forest grove filled with wandering trails, and the Italian/French Courante is created by a swirling path through wildflowers. The Sarabande, an ancient Spanish dance form, is the garden’s poet’s corner with the large stone acting as a stage for readings.
A short stroll west is Menuett represented by a circular pavilion, hand-crafted with ornamental steel, perfectly lending itself to rest and quiet reflection, but also designed to showcase musical ensembles and dance groups. We end the tour at Gigue, a jaunty English dance, interpreted by grass steps that cover beautiful views of the harbour. In the summer months you can enjoy a classical music concert held under a weeping willow tree while taking in the cool breeze from the lake.
Although musical performances and tours are limited to between June and September, this enchanted part of Toronto can be enjoyed in all four seasons, as each season brings out a different aspect of the landscape design.
It’s magical at any time of year!
Even if you’re not familiar with the classical music repertoire, this enchanting park is just the spot for an afternoon walk. Bring along a book and a hot cup of java from the nearby Starbucks, or lose yourself in a daydream while staring out at the serene waters of Lake Ontario. It’s not uncommon to stumble upon a morning yoga session in the Menuett area, a wedding party photo session on the stairs of the Gigue or joggers winding down from their run at the benches along the path.
Here’s an Instagram video from @harbourfrontcentre, with thanks!
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*Cover image courtesy of MilenioStadium. With thanks.
Are you drawn to the City’s many green and blue spaces? Can you imagine how improved your day-to-day life could be by living with Lake Ontario in your backyard and several parks – like this one – just a stroll away?
Check out this rare-to-market gem we SOLD on the waterfront! We call it: Luxe Lakeside Living At 55 Harbour Square In Downtown Toronto!
55 Harbour Square is one of the 5-star Harbourside condominiums which offer luxe amenities and calibre services on par with fine executive hotels. With an incredible Walk Score of 94 and a perfect Transit score of 100, the city’s finest offerings are yours for the taking when you live at 55 Harbour Square. Union Station, Harbourfront, the St. Lawrence Market, Scotiabank Arena, the Entertainment District, the Rogers Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium, Roundhouse Park & The Railway Museum, and the iconic CN Tower are all within easy reach.
This spacious one-bed, one-bath suite boasts a plethora of floor-to-ceiling windows, large principal rooms, and a unique dressing room with two closets! Having had only a single owner since the late 80s, the finishes are ready to be updated – make it your own!
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.
We’d love to introduce our services to you.
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 Urbaneer 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
– we’re here to earn your trust, then your business –
Celebrating Thirty-Four Years As A Top-Producing Toronto Realtor
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