Park People extends a warm welcome to Kayla Greenberg and Wendy Fox who join us as an interns from the University of Toronto’s Geography program and Humber College’s Advertising and Copywriting program. Kayla will be working with us on our new research projects and the Green Line, and Wendy will be working to create resources to support groups that do work in parks.

Here they tell us about their favourite parks, their shared love of public art in parks, and the one thing they never leave behind when having a park picnic.

 

Kayla Greenberg

 

Why are parks important to you?

I’ve lived in a condo my entire life and as a child I dreamt of the day I’d have my own backyard. Parks served as my place to play as a kid. I’d climb trees, jump from stone to stone to cross a river or simply throw a ball for my dog until sunset. Today parks are still a place to enjoy and explore but they are a way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and the perfect place to relax and read a book.

 

What is one of your favourite parks in Toronto and why?

One of my favourites is Tommy Thompson Park. I love that you can look southward and see nothing but the blue lake and hear nothing but the birds singing and water lapping against the shore. It’s far less trafficked than other parks along the lake and I enjoy the seclusion.

 

What’s an example of something you saw or experienced in a park in another city that you think Toronto should do?

The sculpture garden at the Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands! It’s a 25-acre park decorated with numerous sculptures. You can bike around the park, climb on some of the sculptures or simply find your favourite, sit and enjoy the natural scenery.

 

What is one thing you always make sure to have in your picnic basket?

Bubble tea – the perfect drink/snack to sip on a hot summers day while relaxing with a friend in the park.

 

What is your favourite thing to do in a park in winter?

I love to race down the hill at Riverdale Park on a sled!

 

Wendy Fox

 

Why are parks important to you?

I spend a lot of time with the youngest members of my family in playgrounds in parks. It is a wonderful place for us to build our relationship and create memories. I also grew up near city parks and learned a lot of essential human skills from swimming to riding my bike.

 

What is one of your favourite parks in Toronto?

My favourite park in Toronto is Withrow Park. I enjoy the Shakespeare performances in the summer and the large trees in the fall. I’ve spent many days wandering around the large trees, trying not to get hit with a frisbee. Withrow Park is close to the subway but hidden from the main street, which makes it a perfect spot for me.

 

What’s an example of something you saw or experienced in a park in another city that you think Toronto should do?

I would like to see more art installations in parks. I saw a few when galavanting around Europe a few years ago and would love to see more sculptures and places for interactive art.

 

What is one thing you always make sure to have in your picnic basket?

I always bring sunscreen with me to picnic. I don’t necessarily burn easily or forget to wear it, but I’m always concerned whoever is on the picnic with me will get sunburned.

 

What is your favourite thing to do in a park in winter?

I love skating on ice paths in the Winter. It isn’t February without skating outdoors. I also enjoy building snow forts with cohorts.