As Dave Harvey retires from his co-leadership position at Park People, he reflects on the incredible journey since founding the organization in 2011.
Why are events in parks important? How do grants fit into Park People’s larger goals for creating change in city parks?
Park clean-ups bring neighbours together, foster connection, and leave a lasting impact—explore our 5-step guide to get started.
Explore inspiring community-led events funded by our microgrants program, from land-based learning to nature walks and skill-sharing workshops.
Finding volunteers doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. Here are some tips to create an engaged, connected, and joyful volunteer team.
Come together with community members, park professionals, and municipal staff at the 2025 Toronto Park Summit!
By donating to Park People, you’ll support vibrant parks for everyone.
Park People
May 12, 2025 Toronto, Ontario
Each year, we support twenty Champions, working in pairs, with training and support to help them host their own events in Toronto’s ravines.
Meet the 2025 Champions, and hear why they love and care about the ravines.
“I love to leave the city behind when I enter the fresh air and cool embrace of the Humber River ravine around Lambton Woods, a sanctuary for birds, toads, insects and other wildlife with its rare natural forest cover and wetlands, and the ever-changing marvel of the river’s sparkling waters flowing from a vast, ancient, yet urbanized landscape toward our own water source at Lake Ontario. You might even see huge salmon or trout leaping nearby weirs, or a shy snowy egret fishing secret eddies. Much inspires my photo and painting attempts, and my restored resolve to share this precious delight with others, along with the need to address outdated storm water runoff and sewage pollution management and the serious threat of highway 413 paving over the heart of the river’s western headwaters.”
“My favorite ravine is the east side of the Humber River north of Eglinton. The area has naturally regenerated for 70 years and is a testament to the restorative powers of the land.”
“Ravines are the earth’s quiet sanctuary, where the rush of the world slows down, and the soul finds its rhythm in the stillness. In their embrace, the land heals, and so do we.”
“Amid the city’s restless hum, the Don River East Trail unfolds like a quiet sanctuary—where towering trees soften the skyline, the river whispers its timeless song, and nature reclaims its space, undisturbed yet ever-changing.”
“The Betty Sutherland Trail runs for 1.83 kilometers from Leslie Street and Sheppard Avenue to Duncan Mills Road and Don Mills Road. The park is named after a long-time city councilor who was active in supporting Toronto’s recreational areas and trails.”
“Within close proximity of residents throughout our great city, there’s a hidden gem—our amazing ravine system. Ravines are nature’s hidden masterpieces, carved by time and adorned with life.”
“What I love about my local ravine is accessibility and its expansiveness. I can enter and exit at so many points along the trails, which means I can travel from my home north of the city right down to Lake Ontario with only minor diversions (sometimes I have to cross a main street but the trail access is within close proximity). It’s quite amazing that, in Toronto, you can travel in all directions for many kilometres through the ravine system.”
“What I love about Bickford Park is meeting my neighbours for exercises; talking to people as I work in the pollinator garden; picnicking; and watching the lunar eclipse with everyone. I also love showing everyone the best indigenous murals in Toronto in the Bickford underpass”
“I am very impressed by the variety of experiences available in the Garrison ravine. The busy vigour of Christie Pits (swimming, softball, barbecue pits, and the like) contrasted with the serenity of Bickford Park with greenery, benches, and indigenous art.”
“I love the calmness and natural beauty of my local ravine. I enjoyed walking in the park. It gives me peace of mind.”
“My Ravine allows quiet reflection of space and time collapsed into a moment where you can see the birds in the tree ,while the squirrel runs by and the wind rustles the leaves and branches reminding us of our place as part of nature.”
“What I love about my local ravine is just the fact that It’s quiet and peaceful. I can just sit by the water and meditate with the sound of trickling water and birds chirping. It’s a place to hide from the scorching sun in the summer, crunch the leaves in the fall, look for the flower buds in the spring and just stay put in the winter.”
“Something I love about Birkdale Ravine is how it feels like a hidden gem tucked right in the middle of the city. It’s peaceful, full of life, and has this calming energy that makes it the perfect spot to reconnect with nature, slow down, and reflect. It’s also a place that brings people together, whether you’re out for a walk, snapping photos, or just enjoying the sound of the creek.”
“Birkdale Ravine is a beautiful place that evokes a sense of serenity for me. As an avid biker and stroller, it has always been my favorite go-to spot. This location is one of the perfect places to experience awe and relaxation. With its scenic trails, it’s ideal for reflecting on thoughts or sharing a moment with a loved one. I particularly enjoy the cozy atmosphere and beautiful scenery, surrounded by numerous trees and an elegant bridge!”
“I love how quiet and serene the ravine feels. When I walk through, there is always something new that comes to my attention”
“I love being able to feel my mind and body quiet and connect to the earth when I am in my local ravine.”
Learn more about the InTO the Ravines and InTO the Ravines Champions programs, and read about the City of Toronto’s Ravine Strategy.
Champions, InTO the Ravines
How Maggie is helping her community dip into and see the green spaces and ravines.
Explore how we can deepen our connection to the plants and animals of our land and ravines.
It takes deliberate thinking and action to enjoy park and ravine spaces while ensuring they’re protected. How can you use ravine and park events to foster reciprocity and ensure the natural world benefits as much as the community does?