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.
OBITUARY: Architect leaves indelibe marks (July 2020)
August 7th, 2020 · Comments Off on OBITUARY: Architect leaves indelibe marks (July 2020)
Martel was a planner and architect who turned parking into parks
COURTESY MICKEY FRATERMAN
By 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.
GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (JUNE 2017): Survey reveals significant upgrades
June 30th, 2017 · Comments Off on GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (JUNE 2017): Survey reveals significant upgrades
PHOTO BY NATHALIE RODRIGUEZ/GLEANER NEWS: Taddle Creek Park’s planters enhance its natural beauty. Exemplifying the best of community green spaces, the park earned top marks for being a relaxing oasis in the heart of the Annex.
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.