Special Local Event: Talking Everything Parks Saturday at 10am

Sept 21 2023

This Saturday at 10am a local Mom/Community builder is hosting a really great meetup discussing the concept of Community Parks! Andrea was inspired this summer on a visit to Dufferin Grove Park (in the Dufferin Grove community in Toronto’s west-end). After spending an afternoon with her young children she began to see that this city could do things differently, that park design and local park users should go hand in hand and that they could become more inclusive if designed by its community, not just city staff and local officials using standard checklists and policy.

Dufferin Grove Park, is a beacon of community engagement and transformation located nearby in the west-end of the city. The project was initially led by the remarkable Jutta Mason, a community activist and co-founder of Friends of Dufferin Grove Park who spearheaded the rejuvenation of a conventional city park into a vibrant, community-driven space. It is known for its innovative approach to community engagement and management, placing strong emphasis on local involvement to foster a sense of togetherness.

At its core, the park adopts a community-centric approach, actively involving local residents in decision-making processes, park management, and event organization. This approach has successfully cultivated a sense of ownership and pride within the community.

One of the defining features is its diverse array of activities and events. From farmers' markets and outdoor dinners to various sports and recreational activities, the park offers something for everyone, attracting individuals of all ages and interests. This diversity contributes to making the park a vibrant and inclusive community space.

The advocacy and efforts led by Jutta Mason, along with Friends of Dufferin Grove Park, have not only focused on enhancing the park itself but have also underscored the importance of public spaces and community engagement in urban planning. They have been instrumental in promoting the value and vitality of community-oriented parks.

Furthermore, Dufferin Grove Park is known for its innovative management practices. At one time it had even implemented unique food programs, featuring a bake oven encouraging communal cooking and sharing experiences among park-goers.

Inspired by the success of Dufferin Grove Park and Jutta Mason's vision, Andrea has embarked on a mission to bring similar community-focused ideals to our communities here in Etobicoke. The project aims to eventually transform a local park into a hub of inclusivity and connection, just like Dufferin Grove Park.

To kick off this exciting journey, The Etobicoke Community Park Project is hosting a meetup with special guest speaker Jutta Mason - this Saturday - at Colonel Samuel Smith Park near the recreation centre at 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Dr.

The location is conveniently close to the off-leash dog park and offers ample parking options. This meetup will serve as the starting point for discussions and collaborative planning, echoing the spirit of community involvement that has made Dufferin Grove Park a resounding success.

You are invited to join in this event, as we as a community can draw inspiration from Dufferin Grove Park and Jutta Mason's pioneering ideas, weaving them into the fabric of our very own community park right here in Etobicoke.

See you this Saturday at 10am, as we envision the future of our park together!

This is the meeting spot in case you are unsure of the location inside

For more information about the story behind Dufferin Grove Park learn more at https://www.dufferinpark.ca/home/wiki/wiki.php

https://www.dufferinpark.ca/editor/wiki/uploads/Editor/NWCorner_booklet_NowTwelveForWeb.pdf

To stay in touch with the Etobicoke Community Park Project connect to https://www.facebook.com/groups/309447554751882/

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Reminder Alert!!!

Keep in mind that Monday the first CivicsTO101 class begins with a look at the way City Hall works and how to best get around to use your voice to advocate for what you believe in! All you need to do to participate is to become a paid subscriber of The Etobicoke Voice! Don’t miss out and get all the info and course outline in the posted link below. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or send an email to TheEtobicokeVoice@gmail.com

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