A plethora of Annex-area parks under scrutiny

Each year the Annex Gleaner reviews the many parks and parkettes in our coverage area using a variety of criteria. While there is no decisive “winner” of the grading, letter grades are assigned to convey the quality of the parks, considering aspects such as upkeep, design, and amenities. The reviews accompanying the grades also let the reader know what makes each space unique. This is the first instalment of reviews for 2024.

By Mia Keskinen 

Robert St. Park 

50 Sussex Ave.
Grade: A (last year’s grade A)
Time of visit: 2:30 p.m.
Reason to go: Located by Spadina Avenue and Bloor Street, Robert Street Park is a well-maintained park abundant with amenities. This park was originally called the Robert Street Field Project and was created by the University of Toronto as a multi-use greenspace for all ages to enjoy. The park features cottage-style chairs epitomizing summer comfort, mini pavilions built in the shape of trees, benches surrounded by hydrangeas, unique rope structures for little ones, as well as a butterfly garden. Like Paul Martel, this park features an Indigenous art piece on one of the walls. Robert Street Park is next to a large field that often hosts soccer games for teams of all ages. Overall, Robert Street Park is a wonderful place to relax during summer in the city. 
Overheard: Three men playing Caribbean music, dancing together, dimples carved into their cheeks from the smiles with which they sing. 
Did you know: In the Robert Street playing field to the north, the University of Toronto drilled 153 boreholes, each 850 feet deep, in order to extract geothermal energy to heat and cool the new Spadina-Sussex Student Residence as well as connect to the university on the other side of Spadina. In 2020, when it was built, it is the largest geothermal installation in the country, and it will ultimately lead to a 90 per cent reduction in carbon emissions from heating and cooling the university’s buildings. (See gleanernews.ca, March 2020, keywords: Robert Street geothermal).

Jesse Ketchum Park 

1310 Bay St.
Grade: A+ (last year’s grade: A+)
Time of visit: 10:00 a.m.
Reason to go: Jesse Ketchum Park reminds city-goers of the innate charm of simplicity. The essentials are covered:  pathways lined with benches, water fountains, and trees swaying in the summer breeze. Despite the greenspace’s location at the corner of Avenue Road and Davenport Road, the sound does not distract too much from the park’s ambiance, as the trees and expanse of the park absorb much of the oncoming traffic. Located near Jesse Ketchum School, the park is also close to a soccer field where children can often be seen playing sports in the sun. This park is a delightful stop for those who are looking to appreciate nature amongst an urban landscape.
Overheard: Two dog owners laughing as their pups roughhouse.
Did you know: This park was named after Jesse Ketchum, who was well-known for his philanthropic efforts towards education. One of his most notable contributions was his support for public education. He donated land for the first public school in Toronto which was named Jesse Ketchum School in his honor.

Paul Martel Park 

10 Madison Ave.
Grade: A (last year’s grade: A)
Time of visit: 1:55 p.m. 
Reason to go: In 2022, Paul Martel Park was rated by the Gleaner as the most improved park going from a D- to an A within a year due to a transformative restoration. This greenspace, located near the intersection of Spadina Avenue and Bloor Street, continues to uphold its charming allure with several painted park benches, cottage-style chairs lining the paths, and abundant wildflowers. This park is pleasing to the eye. Along the back wall, which provides a level of privacy given that the park is right behind Spadina station, is a beautiful Indigenous mural of vibrant orange and blue hues which pays tribute to our innate connection with nature. There is a sign explaining Indigenous peoples’ profound worldviews and beliefs. This greenspace is perfect for those who wish to rest in the shade as the summer sun elucidates the cityscape. 
Overheard: Birdsong from  robins hop through the bushes, taking mud baths to cleanse themselves. 
Did you know: The park is named after Paul Martel, a well-known local resident who was dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of urban greenspaces.

Vermont Square Park

819 Palmerston Ave.
Grade: A (reviewed last in 2022, grade then A+)
Time of visit: 1:45 p.m.
Reason to go: This park is a gem within Seaton Village. Despite being located close to Bathurst Street and Dupont Avenue, there is a pervasive calm and quiet that exists within this greenspace. As sunset rolls over the hills of Vermont Square Park, children can be seen chasing liquid gold until the sun falls asleep, playing into the hours of the night. Within its expansive grounds, lie various amenities: paths that linger through the park, various benches, as well as a playground built like a pirate ship. This park is often bustling from sunrise to sunset and draws in folks of all ages, be it the little ones who walk the plank, or the parents who gather to watch their little pirates. Given its expansive grounds and several amenities, this greenspace is the perfect place for all park-goers.
Did you know: Vermont Square Park has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in the late 19th century. It has evolved over the years to become a beloved community gathering place.

Doctors’ Parkette

15 Brunswick Ave.
Grade: C- (last year c-)
Time of visit: 3:05 p.m. 
Reason to go: It is easy to bypass Doctors’ Parkette on one’s commute. While other greenspaces on the list have plenty of trees to provide ample shade, Doctors’ Parkette, located at College Street and Brunswick Avenue, is sorely lacking shade. Additionally, this park is almost entirely paved, making it feel very urbanized, much like the rest of one’s experience of living downtown. Its benches are uncomfortable due to the direct sun, and surfaces are hot to the touch. While the extensive hardscaping is not desirable, the pavers do exhibit an attractive pattern Overall though, this park still has room for improvement. 
Overheard: “Apparently pigeons are entirely domesticated and reliant on people for survival because we used to use them as messenger pigeons,” a friend said to another friend, while feeding the pigeons.
Did you know: The parkette’s name pays homage to the medical professionals who have historically been part of the community or contributed to the city’s development and to Doctor’s Hospital which was located just north of the space on Brunswick Ave until 1998. 

Christie Pits Park 

750 Bloor St. W.
Grade: A+ (Last year A+)
Time of visit: 2:09 p.m.
Reason to go: Among one of the largest and most well-known parks in the city, Christie Pits is a favourite for those who need to escape to nature amid the fast-paced city life. Its convenient location next to Christie subway station, and its many amenities create a unique pull. Aside from the rolling hills and standard park amenities such as picnic benches and a clean washroom, Christie Pits offers various attractions including an outdoor swimming pool, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and a skateboard park. The park truly comes alive during the summer, as there is always something to keep oneself entertained within the breadth of this greenspace, be it a weekly movie-night under the summer stars, pop-up vendors, or a picnic in celebration of pride month. This park teeming with life is worth visiting this summer.
Overheard: A young woman lying on the grassy knoll humming to herself happily with a book in hand.
Did you know: The park was originally known as Willowvale Park, but it was renamed Christie Pits in recognition of the Christie Sand Pits which were used for sand extraction in the early 1900s. The park is also named after the Christie Sand Company which owned the quarry.

Gwendolyn MacEwen Park 

33 Walmer Rd.
Time of visit: 12:01 p.m. 
Grade: B- (Last year’s grade: B-) 
Reason to go: Located at Walmer Road and Lowther Avenue, Gwendolyn MacEwen Park is a quaint, small greenspace featuring flower beds laden with lush purple hues. The park lies in front of Walmer Road Baptist Church where there is a beautiful Indigenous mural. Amenities include several park benches where park goers can relax. The park is in the middle of a roundabout, providing scenery for passersby on their commute. The only drawback of this park is the noise, given its location in the heart of a roundabout. 
Overheard: Dogs panting happily as they sniff the flowerbeds on their afternoon walk. 
Did you know: The park celebrates the life and work of Gwendolyn MacEwen who made significant contributions to Canadian literature. It serves as a reminder of her impact on the literary community and her connection to the Annex neighborhood.

Jay MacPherson Green 

255 Avenue Rd. 
Time of visit: 1:20 p.m.
Grade: A- (Last year’s grade: A-)
Reason to go: Jay Macpherson Green is a small park located at the bustling intersection of Avenue Road and Dupont Street and encircled by Victorian homes. Its amenities consist of several benches, amongst the tall sway of the trees under the warm summer sun. Unfortunately, due to its location on a main road, noise pollution makes this park harder to enjoy than others on the list; however, the park serves its purpose, given that it is well kept. The park is across from Sergeant Ryan Russell Parkette. 
Overheard: “C’mon boys!” says a dog walker walking with ten dogs in tow, relishing the warm summer sun. 
Did you know: The park is named after Jay Macpherson, a celebrated Canadian poet and academic known for her contributions to Canadian literature. She won the Governor General’s Award for Poetry in 1957 for her book The Boatman.

Sergeant Ryan Russell Parkette 

Time of visit: 1:45 p.m.
Rating: A (last year B+) 
Reason to go: Sergeant Ryan Russell Parkette, near Jay Macpherson Green, is also located at Avenue Road and Dupont Street. The park provides more of an escape from the din of traffic than Jay Macpherson Green because the trees block the view of the roadway, creating a better sense of privacy. This park is great for those with little ones as the parkette features a large enclosed playground for children to safely enjoy, as well as benches for parents to sit and chat. 
Overheard: “You’ll never catch me!” a little one yells to one of his friends, childlike wonder painted across his face as he runs from his friends during a game of tag.
Did you know: This park was named after Sergeant Ryan Russell who died in the line of duty on Jan.  12, 2011 in the arms of his fellow officer, Sergeant Sarah Andrews. The tragedy took place nearby on Avenue Road.

Boswell Parkette 

4 Boswell Ave.
Time of visit: 1:25 p.m.
Grade: B (last year’s grade: B)
Reason to go: Boswell Parkette is a small pocket that can be easily missed while walking through the city. It provides  a beautiful canopy of trees which form a passageway to a residential area along Boswell Avenue to Avenue Road. This greenery adds an additional level of privacy and serenity to a quaint neighbourhood, and it absorbs noise for those who live within the historical homes, located close to a main road. Finding this spot is a pleasant surprise for passersby amidst the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The noises of the streets are unfortunately audible making this parkette less ambient than others on the list, but it can still be an enjoyable quick stop, nature amongst the urban landscape. Though its amenities are few, a single bench by a bus stop, Boswell Parkette is nonetheless an enjoyable place to pass through while waiting for the bus.
Overheard: A group of girls giggling and laughing with each other, carrying a bouquet of flowers; a glimpse of girlhood within a fast-paced urban jungle. 
Did you know: Boswell Parkette was named after Toronto’s 24th mayor, Arthur Radcliffe Boswell, who is most remembered for hosting a renowned party in commemoration of Toronto’s 50th anniversary in 1884.

READ MORE:

• FOCUS: Grading our greenspace (Feb. 2024)
• FOCUS: Grading our Greenspace (Dec. 2023)
• FOCUS: Grading our greenspace (Fall 2023)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Third and final instalment (Oct. 2022)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Appraising Annex parks (Sept. 2022)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (Aug. 2022)
• NEWS: New mural celebrates Indigenous storytelling (July 2022)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (Fall 2021)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE (July 2021)
• LIFE: Bickford Park embraces yoga (June 2021)
• FOCUS: New park imbued with nostalgia (Apr. 2021)
• ON THE COVER: Renewing Martel’s vision (Nov. 2020)
• FOCUS: Park set for eco-restoration (Nov. 2020)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Grading the green (Aug. 2020)
• FORUM: Making it green (Aug. 2020)
• OBITUARY: Architect leaves indelibe marks (July 2020)
• CHATTER: Sally’s Fright finds a home in Yorkville (July 2020)
• FOCUS: Robert Street Field site of geothermal energy (Mar. 2020)
• CHATTER: Park gets a haircut (Nov. 2019)
• CHATTER: Park still ignored by city (Oct. 2019)
• NEWS: City fails to maintain park (Sept. 2019)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Park it here (August 2019)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Open spaces in the heart of the Annex (Summer 2019)
• NEWS: Huron-Washingon Parkette relocates while UTS expands (Spring 2019)
• NEWS: First meeting on new Mirvish Village park (Summer 2018)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: The best and worst of local parks(Summer 2018)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: More attention to green spaces means parks are improving (July 2018)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Parks on the fringe (AUGUST 2017)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Open spaces in the heart of the Annex (July 2017)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Survey reveals significant upgrades (June 2017)
• GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Meet our parks supervisor (August 2016)
• Part two of our 2016 parks review (July 2016)
• NEWS: Renewing Margaret Fairley Park (JULY 2016)
• PART ONE: Green sanctuaries in the heart of the city (June 2016)
• Grading our Greenspace (2015)
• NEWS: Sibelius Park officially opens (June 2012)