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DECA Parks – Exciting developments from east to west

Thanks to Sarah K. for this update from DECA Parks!

There’s a lot going on in our DECA-area parks this summer and we wanted to provide an end-to-end update for our park-loving readers.

East-End DECA – Stephenson Park

First up we have Stephenson Park (one block south of Danforth and one block west of Main) a little-known green haven just inside of DECA’s eastern border.  This recreation space has a baseball diamond, a great playground, and a wading pool – there is as much fun to be had here as we would find in our beloved East Lynn Park.

DECA Board Member and renowned illustrator, Tak Bui, recently orchestrated a painting project on the wading pool surface, for which he generously volunteered his own amazing illustrations. The result is an ethereal watery illusion of sea creatures under the little ones’ feet – a perfect destination on a hot summer day!

This past winter, Tak also dreamed up a plan to transform a barren bit of tree-lawn on Stephenson Avenue into a mini-urban garden. The garden is now ready for planting, thanks to all the hard working volunteers who got down and dirty to make this project a reality.  See the before and after pics below. Props go out to Danforth Lumber for donating materials for the project!

Before
After

West-End DECA – Monarch Park 

On DECA’s western border we find the beautiful and busy Monarch Park (at the south end of Monarch Park Ave). The biggest news of late is that the water slide has finally re-opened after lying dormant for many, many years. As the mercury rises, folks from other ‘hoods in Toronto will be jealous of our local attraction. If you are 43” or higher, this super soaker will have you cooled off in no time!

Speaking of Monarch Park, a group of local residents have organized a Friends of Monarch Park group that will be spearheading future improvements within the park. After two community meetings, a Steering Committee has been formed and a number of sub-committees have been created. If you are interested in volunteering with this group, please visit the group’s Facebook page and let them know. You can also email them at friends.monarchpark(at)yahoo.ca.

And we bet you’re wondering what’s going on behind Monarch Park Collegiate, right? Last year, the TDSB approved the lease/sale of their athletic field for the construction of a state-of-the-art athletic facility for both students and the community. Monarch Park Stadium will include a field, track, clubhouse, field lighting, and a winter dome – click here for more information. Tentative completion date is fall 2012.

Please leave a comment telling everyone about your favourite DECA neighbourhood park!

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News From The North

Thanks to Better Bulk! – Somehow, by some absolute failure on my part, I forgot to thank the fabulous Better Bulk boys for their ongoing popcorn support of the Peach Fest and Movie In The Park Night.  Better Bulk has been a great supporter of DECA and the Movie Night since the day they opened their doors and we want to thank them very much.

garbage pick-up

A few bits of news from Ward 31 City Councillor, Janet Davis, (north of Danforth)…

Garbage In Garbage Out – Starting the week of Tuesday, September 6, 2011, garbage day will change from Tuesdays to Fridays for residences between Coxwell and Victoria Park, from Danforth north to Massey Creek.  This permits the City to maximize the use of the new one-person, automated trucks.

Down With Downspouts – Starting Nov. 1, 2011, the City will require all property owners to disconnect their downspouts from the sewer system.

If your downspouts have not been disconnected, rainwater runs off your roof and flows through your eavestroughs into a downspout that carries it directly into the sewer system. During heavy rainfall, the sewers become overloaded, increasing the risk of basement flooding and releasing polluted rainwater into our local waterways.

You can disconnect your downspout(s) on your own. Or you can seek the advice and services of a City-licensed and experienced eavestrough contractor or other experienced professional. The City may also provide financial assistance to low-income property owners.

Pretty Parks – The City has made some improvements to local parks this summer.  Read more, here to see what happened in your neck of the woods.  Also, the City will be asking for public input on a five-year parks plan this fall. Stay tuned for more info on how to add your voice.