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Older posts on the High Park Toronto online forumThese are older posts. To view the latest comments, questions and answers go to the recent posts page. Plays in the park, June 9, 2010 , posted by Jocelynn Smith , jjsmith104@hotmail.com Do you have any free plays going on in the park this summer if so when? Lost tripod, June 9, 2010 , posted by Kim , kbtran58@yahoo.com Hi June 9, 2010 Do you still have the big dragon slide? I remember that from when I was a kid. Black Oak Cafe, June 8, 2010 , posted by Adrian Blake , adrian.blake@sympatico.ca My wife and I are long-time High Park residents and we use the park every day. The one thing we've really been appalled by is the complete lack of maintenance of the Black Oak Cafe. We were very pleased when it was opened but in just a very few years we've seen it steadily erode to resemble a derelict building. The security enclosure and main door is full of graffiti, the paint is badly peeling on every part of the structure that's wood, there are no longer any hanging baskets (the ones that were there were abandoned and left to rot in their pots), and no repair was ever done when a nearby tree fell onto the structure supporting the hanging baskets a couple of years ago. The roof is covered with moss and appears that it will have to be replaced much sooner than it should. This is one of the first structures anyone (i.e. first-time visitors) see when entering the main park entrance from Bloor Street. It's a disgrace and shameful that this has been allowed to happen, especially since the city's largest park should be a role model for the rest of Toronto's parks. Who is running this operation and when will it be fixed? Canada Day, June 7, 2010 , posted by Andrea , andreacwilson@hotmail.com I'm wondering if there are any activities scheduled in High Park for Canada Day. photoshoot permit, June 5, 2010 , posted by Isaac Oppong , cypter_11@hotmail.com Hi, i'm inquiring about getting a permit to have our wedding photos taken for an hour on saturday, august 7, 2010. Fishing. , June 3, 2010 , posted by Sadaf , sadaf18@gmail.com Hello. Shakespeare in the park, June 3, 2010 , posted by Marjorie Andrews , marjorie.andrews@ontario.ca Is there an event called Shakespeare in the Park. High Park, June 3, 2010 , posted by Lucy , lucyfern65@hotmail.com How long does it take to get a permit? Is alcohol allowed in the park? What is the parking fee? BBQ, June 2, 2010 , posted by Jen I read that there are no charcoal BBQ allowed on the High Park site but what about propane BBQ? Also,if I reserve an area to BBQ with more than 25 people, are there parkings reserved as well or is it just first come first serve basis? May 31, 2010 Hello, I am just wondering where Picnic Area # is located exactly? I went to find it few days ago, only found #9 at the location noted #8 on the map. But not #8 itself. And there is this circle of tables, is it #8? Thanks! Re: Snake in the park, May 31, 2010 , posted by Site admin Dear Linda, thank you for sharing the snake-story. If you spent more time roaming around in the forests, marshlands and riverbanks of Ontario with your eyes wide open to nature you'd find that there are a LOT of snakes all over the place, wild and free, proud and beautiful. They are infinitely more scared of you than you are scared of them so if you do nothing and give them a chance to "go" away they will. But like all animals (and humans), they'll do anything to defend themselves and save their lives if they are attacked and cornered (although 99% of them can not possibly harm humans): so the strategy is simple: leave them be. Maybe take a picture to remind you of the diversity of species and the beauty of nature and be graceful that you are part of it. Pinics, May 30, 2010 , posted by Hilda , hilda.c.smith@gmail.com I was unclear if BBQing was allowed in the pinic areas. And does one have to book ahead of time? Careers, May 29, 2010 , posted by Sarita De Souza , saritadesouza@yahoo.ca I would be very interested in finding out what positions you have available in animal care at the zoo (currently), if there are any available. Thanks. I saw a snake in the mini zoo roaming free! It was soooo scary! , May 29, 2010 , posted by linda , noor im a student who went on a feild trip with the rest of my class to high park on may 5th. me and my friends really wanted to see the mini zoo and so after having lunch we made that our next stop. we enjoyed looking at the different animals and when we were leaving the mini zoo we saw a snake! It wasn't in a cage like all the other animals, it was just slithering around in the open!This is what happened, my teacher my friends and i were happily laughing and talking and leaving the mini zoo when all of a sudden one of my friends screamed "AAAAAAHH! SNAKEEEE!!!!" of course i didnt believe her at first i mean come on a snake out in the open, free, not in a cage? But when i looked down i had a heart attack! THERE ACTUALLY WAS A SNAKE! AND IT WASN'T IN A CAGE! YES, RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF ME WAS A SNAKE! And im a person who hates all reptiles ESPECIALLY SNAKES! Im traumatised by them! And of course i wasnt the only one who had looked down and was shocked to actually find a snake right there in our feet!!!!! I started hyperventilating! I was soo shocked for a few seconds i didn't move! It wasnt until my friends pulled me that i started running up the steps leading out of the mini zoo! i cannot explain how i felt, what a scary experience it was for me, i mean of course i've seen snakes but that's on tv where i know im safe sitting on my couch and i know that it's not gonna come out of the tv or in the zoo where they are in a closed space not out in the open! But i NEVER would have thought i would ever come face to face with a snake roaming freely! It was the talk of the year!"Oh My God you know we went to high park and saw a SNAKE!!" I had been having the best time at high park and it was going to be my favourite feild trip up until we saw that snake! And for me that SNAKE changed everything! I still say it was a fun trip and i feel really cool when i tell people i saw a real live snake but i would think twice before going there again. I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT HAPPENED! zoo, May 25, 2010 there are also mandarin ducks SAFE AT NIGHT?, May 20, 2010 Hi, re: dogs off leash comment, May 18, 2010 , posted by Site Admin Whoever left the comment about dogs not being allowed off leash outside the park and saying that the proper authorities have been notified: Good for you! I'm glad that you have lots of free time and thank you for caring about the safety of people visiting High Park. How about the "proper authorities" first make sure that there are no cigarette butts EVERYWHERE and beer bottles and other garbage and cars don't speed and people don't contaminate the waters with all sorts of junk and once all of the above is taken care of, only then start issuing $500+ fines for decent people who walk their 10 year old dogs off the leash. May 18, 2010 Actually you are not allowed to let your dog off your leash AT ALL in off-leash areas. And I have already notified the proper authorities that this website is promoting illegal off-leash activity in High Park. Class Visit, May 17, 2010 , posted by A. Kouimtzis , angela.kouimtzis@tel.tdsb.on.ca Hi I am a Kindergarten Teacher wondering about visiting high park with my class and what we could do while we were there....My teaching partner and I are considering Mid-June. Camping overnight, May 16, 2010 , jennytranjt@gmail.com Hi, Cherry blossoms are over, May 4, 2010 This post is to confirm that the Sakura (cherry) trees are no longer in bloom for 2010. They are very, very, very unlikely to start blooming again so please stop asking if they are still in bloom or not. They aren't:( Further inquiries in 2010 about cherry blossoms will be ignored. cherry blossom, May 3, 2010 hey.. any of you visited the park this weekend? i am planning to visit the park next weekend and was wondering if the cherry blossoms are still there Cherry trees on May 1, May 1, 2010 There are still some flowers on the trees but it's not as nice as last week and the week before. Not as enjoyable. But the trees are beautiful nevertheless. Even if you missed the early blossoming of the Sakura trees, there is so much to see and do in High Park that by the time you leave you'll forget that you went there for the Cherry blossoms. I'm not even sure why it's such a big deal....my neighbour's garden has a cherry tree...no Japanese...but it looked georgeous when it was blooming. And other trees are also in bloom. Just as nice to me, I like them all equally. April 30, 2010 Can anybody please give some idea which part of the park still has Sakura in bloom? I want to go this weekend.. Blossoms, April 30, 2010 Hi, if I go today, are the blossoms still full bloom or are they gone? Previous comments on the 28th suggests both. re: saturday or sunday?, April 29, 2010 Come on...you're asking if it's better to go on a Saturday or a Sunday? Do you also need advice about what condiments to put on your hot dog? A little more independence please. Check the weather forecast maybe. April 29, 2010 I\'m planning on going this coming weekend, is it better to go on saturday may 1st or sunday may 2nd and what time is best to go see? pls let me know! thx! sakura is done., April 28, 2010 , posted by e1969 I went there today. Sakura is done. Be early next year. Cherry trees still blooming, April 28, 2010 A quick update: the cherry trees are still in full bloom as of April 28. How to reserve parks , April 26, 2010 , posted by Alec , alec.mccleave@sac.on.ca Who do we contact to make reservations for High Park. What are the possible costs, and what are some dates that it is available. Furthermore the what are some of the risk managements. lost article, April 26, 2010 , posted by Michelle Norman , shaynan44@hotmail.com My name is Michelle Norman, I was at High Park on Saturday, April 24th. I may have lost my wallet at high park, the last time I recall seeing my wallet was at the restaurant around 1:00 pm. I am trying to find a number to call regarding lost articles but haven\'t been able to do that. Please contact me as soon as possible to let me know. Thank you. You can contact me at 416-856-2896. Monday April 26, April 26, 2010 How are the cherry blossoms today? Going there for an engagement shoot, hope its still in bloom! Wedding destination? , April 25, 2010 , posted by Mr Tracy Branch , tracyb64@comcast.net Would like to inquire more information about a using High Park as a possible wedding destination. What are permit requirements (price, etc), what are restrictions with the areas in the park (i.e.: chairs, amplified sound, possible indoor option as inclement weather back up, etc.) CHERRY BLOSSOM, April 23, 2010 , chiqui14@gmail.com is it too late to see the cherry blossom on MAy 2? my sister is arriving from Philippines, and I think to see the cherry the cherry blossom will be a great experience. re: community garden, April 23, 2010 The community garden is still there, it's called Allotment Gardens and it's located (surrounded) by the dog park. The cost for one unit is approx. $50/yr - call the City of Toronto to confirm. Community Garden, April 23, 2010 , monicaduncan@rogers.com Hi, There used to be a community garden in High Park, no mention of it on this site. Is it gone? URGENT: Cherry Blossoms, April 22, 2010 , posted by Anita Foley , foley_av@yahoo.ca Hello there, RE: Wheel chair accessible? , April 22, 2010 Yes, there are paved walkways by Hillside Gardens that are wheelchair accessible and the trees close to the Zoo's parking lot are also wheelchair accessible. Wheel chair accessible?, April 22, 2010 , posted by karen I am planning to see the cherry blossom this Saturday with my parents. Is wheel chair accessible for both of your cherry blossom walks? Thanks! HIGH PARK FACILITIES, April 21, 2010 , posted by Carol I vsited High Park for the first time today (Apr 21, 2010) and enjoyed the natural surroundings. However, the state of the washroom facilities was disgusting. It is exceedingly disappointing to find that the toilets were in a very unhygenic condition. Is this the city of Toronto? timings, April 20, 2010 I would like to know the earliest timing in the morning that the park is open from and what time it is open till. Cherry Blossoms, April 20, 2010 , posted by Bonnie Dickson They Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom this sunday (april 18th). Cherry Blossoms, April 19, 2010 , posted by monica , moonlit_dreamz@hotmail.com Will the blossoms still be in bloom on April 30th? How long do they usually last, I don\'t want to miss it =( Cherry Blossom, April 19, 2010 , posted by Admad , Admad@gmail.com Is the coming wkend April 24 - 25 a good time to come for Cherry Blossom? re: cafes, April 19, 2010 Yes, there is a cafe / restaurant right by the parking lot next to Hillside Gardens (where the cherry trees are). The place is open for breakfast too. cafes, April 18, 2010 i'm planning on visiting the park tomorrow for the cherry blossom and i haven't been in the area before so i was wondering if there were any nice coffee shops/lunch spots near by? April 18, 2010 The cherry trees are in full bloom on April 18 but there are some buds that aren't fully open so the weekend of the 25th should also be a good time to see the beautiful flowers. wedding picture, April 17, 2010 I want to take my pre-wedding picture in high park, do i need to get permit? April 17, 2010 pls tell us if the sakura fully blooms. I plan to go there next week I don\'t wanna miss it Lockers, April 17, 2010 Hello, Sakura tree / cherry blossoms update, April 16, 2010 Hi everyone, re: picnic tables, April 15, 2010 If you are a small group and wish to picnic at High Park you don't need a reservation, it's first come first serve. Enjoy! April 14, 2010 I have a commitment on April 17&18, so am planning to visit High Park on April 24 or 25. Would the cherry trees still be blooming or do you think it\'d be too late? small picnic, April 14, 2010 , posted by Kim , kbardee@gmail.com Are there picnic tables in high park for a small, casual picnic? I know you have the 18 designated areas that require reservations but what if it's a small group? We don't need to grill anything. Do you have small picnic benches/tables scattered elsewhere in high park? April 14, 2010 , posted by AK Thanks for the update! Do they usually stay open for a week or so? Blooms Apr-17 , 2010, April 13, 2010 , posted by Melissa The High Park Nature Centre (see website URL below) is expecting the sakuras to start blooming Apr 17/18, 2010. lockers, April 13, 2010 , lafrance__a@hotmail.com Hello, cherry bloom, April 13, 2010 I am planning to go this weekend April 17-18. I am pretty sure they will be fully bloomed by then :) April 12, 2010 Thanks Renuka for your update!! Will check daily!! Sakura, April 11, 2010 Went to see the Sakura today - the buds are still tight but pink. If you go to this link you can find some pictures i took. SAKURA?, April 7, 2010 , posted by Tanya , kearneytanya@hotmail.com Hey All .. I live out of town in London, and we want to come see the trees! Please SOMEONE let us know in advance when they're ready so we can plan a trip! April 7, 2010 when was High park founded? Cherry Blossom, April 5, 2010 , theowu@gmail.com Hi, May Day, April 4, 2010 , posted by Fleur , mary_fleur@rogers.com Hi there, I want to bring my children to the may day celebration this year in the park. Does anyone have any information about when it gets rolling and who is performing etc? BBQ, April 1, 2010 Hi Michael, BBQ, March 31, 2010 , posted by Michael , rocklandpools@yahoo.ca You state on the picinic information page that no charcoal BBQ allowed and then a the bottom of the page you state most people use a combo of prepared foods and meat and veggies to BBQ. Sooo, can we barbque, are there desinated sites or what is the deal..... March 31, 2010 Anyone knows how\'s the sakura doing? we would like to visit this long weekend. March 31, 2010 Is the park open this Friday, Apr 2, 2010? Sakura Hanami at High Park, March 31, 2010 with early spring, cherry blossoms would probably be early, too. we\'re planning to see mid-april. restaurant, March 31, 2010 , posted by Jaybee Are there any restaurants in the park? - I\'m hoping to hook up with some friends for lunch on Friday and thinking that would be a good place to meet. when will high park distribute composite soil?, March 28, 2010 , posted by Grace As I remembered, a couple of years ago, there had an event in one day in April. People can pick up composite soil there for free. Can we still do the same thing this year? and do you know when? baseball, March 26, 2010 , posted by ct , colinturley1@yahoo.ca Does anyone know how to get on a baseball/softball team that has its leage games in the park? re: admission fees, March 26, 2010 No admission fees to enter High Park. It's free. Wohoo! March 25, 2010 Do we need to pay entrance fee to high park? Will we be informed via this forum when the blossom of cherry trees(Sakura trees)? March 24, 2010 , posted by C I was wondering if wedding photography is allowable in High Park? Cherry Blossoms 2010, March 22, 2010 Hi, does anyone know if Cherry Blsooms will bloom earlie this year b/c the weather is getting warmer sooner? When will we know of the date? school group tours, March 22, 2010 , posted by Karen Munro , karendmunro@gmail.com I would like to book a tour of the zoo for my Grade 2 class in May or June. I brought my class to the zoo last year and the tour was excellent. I can\'t find the web site now. Re: Photographer in dog park, March 22, 2010 Well, apart from contacting the police about this strange photographer, not much else comes to mind. The police may be able to set up surveillance or whatever they think is best to ensure the safety of park-goers. Dog park Photographer, March 20, 2010 , posted by Anon I've been visiting the off-leash dog park for over 2 years now and I really enjoy taking my dog there. Over the last year I noticed a man who is at the park everyday with a powerful camera. Last summer I watched him secretly take photos of several woman and girls while they weren't looking. I was shocked. I wanted to think the best so I ignored it. Well, he has continued to take secret photos of women and girls in the park nearly every week. I even saw him taking a photograph of me! I was so scared that I left the park immediately and I'm afraid to return. He is a large man with a shaved head and he has a large 'Dogue de Bordeaux' with him at all times. I would like to go back to the park but I'm too afraid. What should I do? Location of cherry blossoms, March 19, 2010 The cherry trees are around Hillside Gardens and there are also some next to the children's playground. March 18, 2010 Hi, re: Cherry Blossoms, March 18, 2010 The Cherry trees (Sakura trees) usually blossom around late April and early May. New born lamb, March 17, 2010 , posted by Simona Margaritescu , P_aurantiogriseum@yahoo.ca Hi, March 15, 2010 hi...I was wondering if you know when the cherry blossoms will bloom this year. Thank you. campgrounds?, March 11, 2010 , posted by Sonja As far as I know, there are no designated campgrounds and I don't think you are allowed. But I'm not sure. Weddings, March 11, 2010 , posted by BK , Kostka_b@hotmail.com Hello there, I grew up in High Park, and so has my fiancee. We have a lot of memories in high park and would really love to have a quick ceremony for our wedding here. I've been getting mixed messages about whether they are allowed with a permit. There is a February 28, 2010 message posted that it is permitted. Please let me know if it really is allowed. I heard there is a new law no longer allowing photography either? I find this to be ridiculously horrible! There are so many people who have wonderful memories here and it should be permitted! How is this the only park in Toronto which would not allow the community to enjoy and share there special moments? pine trees in high park, March 11, 2010 , posted by margot , margotsexton8@gmail.com I am looking for info on the names of the various pine trees in High Park...and any accompaning pictures. I am trying to learn about trees and if there is a list of the actual names of the trees in the park, i would greatly appreciate it. ie. scots pine, austrian pine? etc preschool field trip, March 10, 2010 , posted by Miriam , miriamriches@hotmail.com Hi there, We are hoping to plan a field trip to HIgh Park for our preschool class. The dates we are looking at is May 17th and May 18th (there are two different groups we would be bringing). We hope to include a train ride etc for the kids. We would plan to be at the park for 10am and would leave around 11:30...coould you send me any info that may be helpful in planning such a trip. Feeding animals in the Zoo , March 10, 2010 On 3 different occasion I have been in the Zoo with my small children and encountered a man, the same man, feeding the animals and encouraging young children to do so. He also seems to be too friendly with the little children, especially the boys. As a parent this makes me very uncomfortable and a bit concerned for our neighbourhood, and the children who play in our parks. re: photography, March 8, 2010 Absolutely. You can take as many pictures as you like but please stay on marked trails. March 7, 2010 Hello, was curious if photography is allowed in this park? not wedding photography, just regular photography of the landscape and nature? re: Zoo, March 5, 2010 Yes, the zoo is open on Saturdays. About the zoo, March 5, 2010 , posted by Mahvish , mahvish_kahn@hotmail.com
High Park question, March 2, 2010 , annalee55@hotmail.com Hi, RE: hours, February 28, 2010 As far as I know the park if open 24/7 but you may not be able to drive in before 6am and after dusk. RE: fire pits, February 28, 2010 I am not aware of any fire pits in High Park. I checked out the City's official website and it doesn't list "fire pits" in the list of facilities. If you want to have a campfire or BBQ by a fire-pit then you could go to the Center Islands. There are 4 fire pits on the Island Park but you need to get a permit first to use them. Getting married in High Park, February 28, 2010 You can get married in High Park but you need a permit from the city first. Please call the City at 416-338-0338 (Access Toronto) and choose the Marriage Licenses option. February 26, 2010 Hi, I was wondering if there are any fire pits that the public can use? Something similar to a campground fire pit is what I had in mind. Thank you. wedding, February 26, 2010 , fay_ru@hotmail.com Can you get married in High Park and if so do you need permits or have to contact anyone Hours of Operation, February 24, 2010 , posted by Mike , mike_gibbons@juno.com I was wondering about the park's hours of operation will be this Saturday February 27th, 2010. re: Poisonous plants, February 21, 2010 someone asked about poisonous plants in High Park. I'm only aware of poison ivy but if you stay on the marked trails this shouldn't be a concern. feeding zoo animals, February 20, 2010 Greetings, February 19, 2010 Are there public lockers available? Poisonous plants, February 17, 2010 , posted by Kelly , kelly.rapson@gmail.com To Whom It May Concern: Re Litter, January 31, 2010 , posted by John Kattan , johnkattan@rogers.com Hi there, Park Permit, January 31, 2010 , posted by Ana Pereira , anapereira316@gmail.com Hi I was just wondering if there is a permit fee that we need to get for wedding pictures? Volunteer Work, January 21, 2010 , e.xcel@hotmail.com Is there any volunteer opportunities at high park? Greenhouse, January 15, 2010 Is there a fee to enter the greenhouse at High Park? snow on skii trails ?, January 13, 2010 , posted by DavidHenderson , dehenderson1@lycos.com I was plannibng to do some cross country skiing in the park as I haver done in past years. Now I live some distance from the park and have no knowledge of the amount of snow available on the ski trails or if it is apt for such usage. Park Bench, December 31, 2009 , posted by Matt , C I wanted to know if you replace the park benches, and if its possible to purchase one of your park benches? One of them has great sentimental value Green Waste/Compost, December 24, 2009 I have recently relocated to Toronto and now live in a 6 storey apartment on Bloor St. W. just around the corner from the park. I moved from a house where I regularly separated my green waste. This is not the policy in my building. Does High Park have anything I can participate in as far as bringing my green waste to a site at the park? First in Google, December 22, 2009 , posted by Admin We're glad to announce that the highparktoronto.com website now ranks #1 in Google if someone searches for "high park toronto". Hurray! Skating Rink, December 22, 2009 I would like to know if the skating rink is open at all times for free skating like other ourdoor rinks. OR are there designated times for different rink activities? renta, December 18, 2009 , posted by leslie , leslieparreira@hotmaill.com hi i wanted to rent or book an area for my little girls birthday and wantted to know how i go about doing so Add your comment, question or answer nowHigh Park, 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6R 2Z3, Canada. | Contact us |