Sadly one of the three oldest trees in Trinity Bellwoods Park was hit by a graffiti-ist late last week. 

This American Elm is a rare mature survivor (so far) of Dutch Elm disease and is estimated to be 100+ years old.  It is situated just north of the circular path and under its majestic boughs is a popular spot for picnicing.  The solvents used to remove graffitti would be toxic for this tree so parks staff will use a darker paint to obscure the indignity.  Life in a shared public space can clearly be tough on the trees.

On a happier note, a National Post article reported recently on various efforts in Toronto to maintain and increase our tree canopy.  Speaking of which, here in our park we've got 65+ volunteers who are watering and mulching the newly planted trees for their first 4 to 5 years to ensure their survivival.

Wed. May 8th, 2012 UPDATE

Well, as most may have noticed by now, the replacement for the playground apparatis is in.  Not quite a slide, but challenges motor skills and balance for the kids.

Friday, March 9, 2012 UPDATE

Via Councillor Layton's office we've been told the play structure recall was issued by Health Canada and further, that the Director of the Parks department says the playground will be inspected frequently to ensure the recalled component remains safely blocked off until it is replaced.  Parks Director, Richard Ubbens, also says "We have been in contact with the manufacturer of the recalled equipment, and they have agreed to replace the component with another, safer component as soon as possible. We expect the work to be complete within the next four or five weeks. This estimate is based on the manufacturers ability to supply us with the alternative component."

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Who are we?
Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park is a volunteer group that works together to improve the green space, cultural and recreational activities of Trinity Bellwoods Park.   Its volunteer members have founded and operate a weekly summer farmers market, coordinate an Adopt-A-Tree program to water and nurture the new planted saplings in the park, created and operate a greenhouse as an educational and community resource, present bulb and shrub planting events in collaboration with Parks & Recreation and respond to community issues that affect the park.  Since 2001, Friends of Trinity Bellwoods has been recognized by Parks & Rec and by our councillor as the vehicle of community consultation for the park.  We are a diverse group who are willing to share new ideas, respect other points of view, and participate in a collaborative process to create a vibrant community park. 

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A great big thank you to the fourteen youths who volunteered their time to pick up garbage in our park -- as well as in a number of other parks in our area -- yesterday, Sunday, April 15. 

They are part of Central Ontario Building Trades' "Hammerhead" program which is a skill and employment-based training program within the construction industry offering apprenticeship career opportunities to youth and this is not the first year they've done this for our park.