By Ron Lazzer
What is with all this rain? I know the lawns love it and the flowers and trees need it, but enough already. Someone turn off the tap!
Give us some sun and warmth to draw us all out to the beautiful, fresh outdoors. But what will we do outside? Well, that all depends on where you go. If you go to Gracedale Park right here in Emery Village you will find many things to keep you entertained.
Baseball is gaining popularity, especially with the Blue Jays playing so well. While they’re off to a slow start this year they’re still making progress and more and more people are picking up a bat, glove, and ball. The park has lots of space where you can hit the ball around without breaking anything. Practice hitting the ball with some friends or just play catch and you’ll gather up enough of your friends of all ages to have a friendly game. It’s good exercise and will help children burn off extra energy and fall asleep faster at night. That’s always welcome!
Now, a park is not complete without a playground for children. Slides, swings, climbing, jumping, running around: it’s so easy to entertain children. While your children are playing you take advantage of the park benches where you can sit and chat with others or read a book. Everyone is happy.
With all that running around and when the summer heat finally arrives your children will be dying to cool off in the splash pad. It has a rubber surface for safety and some really fun water sprays – your children will squeal in delight while cooling off. You can get involved too. It doesn’t have to be only for children. Get in on the fun.
Gracedale park isn’t just about games though. There is lots of open space where you can have a picnic or just enjoy some peaceful downtime and renew your spirit in the midst of some really beautiful trees. There is a beautiful row of mature oak trees where you will find squirrels scrambling and scurrying about. Bring a few unsalted nuts to try and tempt them out of the trees. They’re a little shy at first but can’t resist free food.
Often, you will find people walking their dogs. It’s funny how dogs make friends so quickly and how they help their owners make friends with each other too. Walking your dog in the park is a great way to meet your neighbours and get to know them. Instant friendship!
With a little imagination and some creativity you can spend hours enjoying the beautiful weather that is coming our way. Gracedale Park is just one of the many parks in Emery Village there for our enjoyment. So gather your family and friends and get out there and enjoy them
Ron Lazzer is the owner of Bellevue Landscaping. If you have any questions or comments please email them to Ron@BellevueLandscaping.ca.