With summer finally here we can dine outdoors again—and not just on our balconies or restaurant patios. We can fully embrace the picnic, packing up a basket or a bag of goodies and heading to a local park to enjoy the sunshine. Luckily there are several great green spaces in Scarborough that would make the perfect spot to spread out a blanket and share a meal. Here are the best parks near Cowdray Ct for a summer picnic.
Collingwood Park
Collingwood Park is a small neighbourhood park that is just steps from Cowdray Ct. It’s a secluded spot that West Highland Creek runs through, a perfect little oasis of green space that is tucked away between several high rise buildings. When you want to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and be surrounded by greenery and the relaxing sounds of nature, it’s the ideal destination. The park includes a baseball diamond, a great playground for the kids, a bridge, and a winding pathway that is dotted with benches and is great for leisurely walks and bike rides. With lots of mature trees, it’s easy to find a shady spot on the grass. Spread your blanket out on the banks overlooking the creek and enjoy!
Stephen Leacock Park
There are lots of grassy and shaded spots to set up your picnic at Stephen Leacock Park. When you’re ready for a bit of excitement you can catch a ball game at the baseball diamond, watch some locals play tennis on the courts, take a walk or ride your bike along the trail, or take the little ones to cool off at the splash pad or expend their energy at the children’s playground. This park is quite large, spread out over 4 acres, and has a Community Recreation Centre so there is a washroom available (often hard to find in public spaces).
Donalda Park
Donalda Park offers 2 hectares of space to explore, including a large open lawn, a big wooded area at the south end of the park, and several mature trees and plants. Recently the city has made several improvements, including creating a brand new outdoor fitness circuit, which is definitely worth trying out. After you’ve enjoyed your basket of picnic goodies, follow the new multi-use asphalt trail that winds through the park and the woodlot to take in the many different views.
L’Amoreaux North Park
L’Amoreaux North Park has an actual picnic shelter as well as a picnic site, though you could certainly set up anywhere you like in this sprawling park. Feel like getting active? Anything you could want is here, from professional-looking courts at the Tennis Centre, to Kidstown Water Park, a Community Recreation Centre, and a bike trail. Be sure to take a walk here either before or after your picnic, and pay a visit to the scenic pond and its many ducks.
Milliken District Park
Milliken District Park is a bit further away but it’s well worth the extra few minutes it takes to drive to. It’s another picturesque spot where you can meander through the park, pick out the perfect spot to have your picnic, and people watch. Also be sure to wander the trails and spend some time soaking in all the beauty of the pond, the wildlife (including the trumpeter swans!), the landscaped gardens with gazebos, and the boardwalk. There is also a children’s garden here, lots of parking, and public washrooms on site.
We hope we’ve inspired you to pack a picnic lunch and head out to discover some of these great local parks this summer. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow the Gemterra blog for more tips on enjoying the outdoors this season.