Compiled and photos by Madeline Smart
GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (July 2021)
August 16th, 2021 · Comments Off on GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (July 2021)
GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Grading the green (August 2020)
September 9th, 2020 · 1 Comment
Park it here
In this year’s installment of evaluating park spaces within the Gleaner’s catchment area, our observers noted the impressive revival of Queen’s Park North showing what a great city can do when it focuses its imagination and resources. The neglected Euclid Avenue Park, near Koreatown, shows what happens when these resources are withheld. Compiled by Mary An, Tanya Ielyseieva, and Nicole Stoffman.
GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Open spaces in the heart of the Annex (Summer 2019)
July 16th, 2019 · Comments Off on GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Open spaces in the heart of the Annex (Summer 2019)
Lots of places for ambling with a dog, playing sports, or watching the world go by
This is our first set of park reviews for 2019. The Annex and its surroundings are blessed with a rich array of green space — much of it under the umbrella of city parks. We grade them here, every year using many parameters. Many a venue to run your dog, laze away a day, grab a seat in the sunshine, or shade, push a child on the swing set, the Annex has it all.
CHATTER: Meet and greet at the fall fair (Aug./Sept. 2018)
September 11th, 2018 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Meet and greet at the fall fair (Aug./Sept. 2018)
If it’s the first Sunday after Labour Day, it must be time for fun at the fair. On September 9 from noon to 6 p.m., residents of Harbord Village will be out in full force for music, socializing, and a silent auction at its annual fall fair in Margaret Fairley Park. Refreshments like burgers, soft drinks, and wine will be available for 50 cents to $5, depending on the item.
GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: The best and worst of local parks (Summer 2018)
August 12th, 2018 · Comments Off on GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: The best and worst of local parks (Summer 2018)
Brunswick-College Parkette has received an upgrade and a new name, Doctors’ Parkette. A well-maintained and tidy spot, it’s great place to catch a breather in the midst of the busy city. AHMED-ZAKI HAGAR/GLEANER NEWS
YEAR IN REVIEW: Marking major anniversaries (Dec. 2017)
December 15th, 2017 · Comments Off on YEAR IN REVIEW: Marking major anniversaries (Dec. 2017)
A celebratory year in review
GEREMY BORDONARO/GLEANER NEWS Ten Editions Bookstore (698 Spadina Ave.) is at the centre of tension between town and gown. Heritage Preservation Services has recommended adding the building to the city’s protected list of heritage sites, but the university wants to tear it down to make way for a new student residence at Spadina and Sussex avenues.
Tags: Annex
CHATTER (Oct. 2017): Margaret is back
November 2nd, 2017 · Comments Off on CHATTER (Oct. 2017): Margaret is back
COURTESY RICHARD LONGLEY
Marco Cupido and Gary Bloch help their children cut the ribbon to mark the official reopening of Margaret Fairley Park, also on October 14.
They were joined by Joe Cressy (Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina), and Harbord Village Residents’ Association chairs past and present, Gail Misra, Gus Sinclair, and Tim Grant.
CHATTER (AUGUST 2017): Celebrate the season in Harbord Village
September 13th, 2017 · Comments Off on CHATTER (AUGUST 2017): Celebrate the season in Harbord Village
This year’s Harbord Village Fall Fair will take place at Margaret Fairley Park on Sept. 10 from noon to 6 p.m. The block-busting party, say the organizers, will include live music, games for children, and a feast of food. There will also be a silent auction, as well as a selection of beer and wine. It’s hosted by the Harbord Village Residents’ Association, which is still looking for volunteers.
GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (JULY 2017): Open spaces in the heart of the Annex
August 1st, 2017 · Comments Off on GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (JULY 2017): Open spaces in the heart of the Annex
Lots of places for ambling with a dog, playing sports, or watching the world go by
PHOTO BY GEREMY BORDONARO/GLEANER NEWS: There’s lots for kids to do at the recently renovated Margaret Fairley Park, where the installation of a new wading pool and seating area is almost complete. The revitalized park has a determined Muskoka feel to it that might strike some as a bit too sterile.
GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (AUGUST 2016): Meet our parks supervisor
August 25th, 2016 · Comments Off on GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (AUGUST 2016): Meet our parks supervisor
GRAPHIC COURTESY BEINENSTOCK NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS: Green highlights the Margaret Fairley Park revitalization as an example of how the approach to local greenspace has changed over the years. The fencing is being replaced, which will make the park bigger, and the splash pad will provide more opportunities for water play than the old wading pool.
Green sanctuaries in the heart of the city
June 15th, 2016 · Comments Off on Green sanctuaries in the heart of the city
Annual parks survey returns
Upkeep, or lack thereof, marks the return of our popular Grading our Greenspace feature. Published in two parts, we visit parks in our coverage area and review them based on cleanliness, amenities, and atmosphere. Our round-up reflects a mixed bag: some parks continued to be great, while others seem to have dipped further into mediocrity. Unkempt parks, with uncut grass, poorly maintained amenities, and dying flowerbeds, are a major complaint among park users, something that shouldn’t be difficult to address. With greenspace at a premium in our neighbourhoods, our parks have become more important than ever. What our reviews demonstrate is that parks, when well maintained, are thriving community hubs. We’ll publish our second part in the July edition and look forward to your comments, whether they be on parks or on our reviews. All reviews and photography were done by Geremy Bordonaro and Emily Rea.