Sherwood Park

I found this park after attending a yoga class here run by Fireflow Yoga. What a gem. It is like being in the country in the city. It is an oasis in the middle of the city — literally with a running stream of water running through it. It is an off leash park so you had better enjoy four legged creatures. It is a laid-​back, beautiful place with hills, paths, and much to explore. A wonderful place to leisurely walk around for a short or long while.

Tucked away in midtown Toronto, Sherwood park offers a paved path that travels alongside a creek, a baseball diamond, plenty of grassy and wooded area, a playground and wading pool/​water fountain for kids and a lovely off-​leash area for dogs.
The off-​leash is at the far east end of the park. It’s wide dirt pathways are fenced in, to prevent dogs from damaging the greenery, although small dogs with a healthy sense of mischief can easily wiggle through the fence. In June 2010 a new boardwalk pathway was added, descending down a hill to a looped pathway around the creek. The fence is removed in this lower area, providing an opportunity for dogs to romp in the water without breaking the rules. One noticeable problem with the off-​leash area is the lack of garbage bins, so be prepared to tote that unpleasant baggie of dog poop until you re-​enter the main park area.
In the summertime the playground is packed with children and their nannies, your kids will mostly likely find friendly playmates among them. The dog park hosts a number of professional dog walkers, don’t be surprised if you round a corner and run into 5+ wagging tails in a group, all competing for your attention.

I grew up near this park, and it will always be one of my favourite spots in the city. (Despite a few traumatizing toboggan runs involving ice patches on my trusty blue magic carpet.) It’s a decent size — lots of space to do nearly any activity you’re up for — bike trails, baseball diamond, fields with a few decent hills to tumble down, and even a trickling stream to follow.