Exploring the Forest City is as Easy as a Walk in the Park

Header image for Interrobang article
London is known as the Forest city, and as such, has a multitude of parks to explore. The outdoors is a priceless commodity for the community and can be enjoyed at the many parks throughout the city.

Kiwanis Park

Covering the area from Dundas to Trafalgar, found at 1475 Brydges St. Kiwanis Park has pathways that help link the surrounding neighborhoods. Described as a long narrow park, it features an accessible playground, two baseball diamonds, and a skateboard plaza just south of Wavell Street. The playground was recently renovated and features woodchip surfaces for safety. There's a play structure for small children with baby swings, a triple slide, and a merry-go-round, as well as a spray pad with washrooms close by. For more information on accessible parks in London visit london.ca/residents/parks/explore-parks/pages/accessible-playgrounds.aspx.

Ed Blake Park

Located at 449 Barker St., this park has benches, wheel-chair accessible picnic tables, and bathrooms. Built in 2010; featuring two play structures, a swing area with accessible swing seating, a merry-go-round, and slide. In addition to the jungle-gyms, the hall marks of this public area are a spray pad and soccer field. Go for walks along the walking paths and observe the ducks in the creek in this classic London Park. For more information and pictures check out londonplaygroundreview.wordpress.com/2016/06/15/ed-blake-park/.

Thames Park

Take the #4 bus from Fanshawe to this park stationed at 15 Ridout St. There's a trail that runs through Thames Park from Ridout Street to Wortley Road. This park shares a parking lot with the Thames Outdoor Pool. This pool is heated, accessible, and open for recreational swimming, there're also aquafit classes offered. For information on the pools in London check out london.ca/aquatics. This park has an accessible jungle-gym, picnic shelters, and washrooms; it features four tennis courts, a community garden, and a large open field with plenty of space for play. For more information and pictures of the play structure at Thames park check out londonplaygroundreview.wordpress.com/2016/08/10/thames-park/.

Victoria Park

This iconic park named after Queen Victoria is the most popular park in London. The squirrels have become so comfortable with people they may even approach if invited. Located in the heart of the down town core, this park is a must see destination for any newcomer to London. Nearby are a myriad of restaurants and bars for patrons to partake. During the summer there're events almost every week, then in the winter there's an ice skating rink. Take a walk through the park on the winding paved walkway, or relax after shopping down town on a bench or picnic table. More information on upcoming events at Victoria Park can be found at londontourism.ca/events.

Stoney Creek Meadows (and off-leash dog park)

North of the Stoneybrook Recreation Field, featuring three baseball diamonds, a batting cage, and a soccer field; Londoners have access to this off-leash dog park from 6 a.m. to 10p.m. It can be found at 1343 Adelaide St., on the corner of Adelaide Street and Windermere Road. This park is London's second largest off-leash area, completely fenced in and natural. There are areas for large and small dogs with separate double gated entrances. Benches and portable toilets are available on site. People are asked to be courteous of others and observe the rules posted. for more information on other dog parks in london check out london.ca/ residents/parks/explore-parks/pages/off-leash-dog-parks.aspx. Harris Park With a view of the Thames River, a trail leads to an area where just after the river forks, with paved pathways and bench seating, the route opens to a grass land containing a newly built bandshell; used for events, primarily Rock the Park. for more information on the new bandshell at harris park visit lfpress.com/2016/08/10/new-bandshell-and-pavilion-for-harris-park-would-celebrate-canadas-150th-birthday.

Ivey Park

Located at 331 Thames St. t0 this park is connected by the Thames Valley Parkway to Harris Park. The light poles offer the amenity of outdoor outlets to charge your phone or laptop. Across the water at Mitchell A. Baran Park, admire the iconic Walter J. Blackburn Memorial Fountain; comprised of seven water jets that run from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. becoming colourfully illuminated at night. if you'd like more information about the thames river or the memorial fountain visit chasemarch.com/2012/11/running-alongside-thames-downtown-london.html.