Kay Gardner Beltline Park

Located at 377 Mount Pleasant Road just north of Eglinton West subway station, sits a narrow eastward strip that ends at Yonge and Davisville. This is a green belt created on top of a former railway line.

History

The railway itself was built in 1892 – the belt line railway went through Moore Park and Forest hill, however closed passenger service after only two years of operation. After the 1960’s the railway was abandoned for years until 1972 when the city purchased the land in order to create a park.

Kay Gardner and her husband Raymond, moved to North Toronto in 1961. Since then, Miss Gardner worked as a citizen volunteer and then as a City Councillor for her community.Kay Gardner was the driving force behind the City's acquisition of these Beltline lands and their conversion to a 4.5-kilometer long linear park.  In recognition of her vision and commitment to people and community, this park was renamed to "Kay Gardner Beltline Park".

Recreation

The Kay Gardner Beltline is a really interesting park with trails perfect for walking or roller blading. It is a place to smell flowers, watch birds and ride a bike - a place in the heart of the city to escape the city. It also overlooks the backyards of the Forest Hill neighbourhood – one of the richest neighbourhoods in Toronto. The park is also great for kids as there is a playground.

Did You Know? The stuff on the ground of the playground looks like gravel, but is actually recycled rubber!