Item - 2011.PE5.5

The Parks and Environment Committee referred the item to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation with the request to:

1.         Bring forward a report on leveraging social media to promote Toronto's remarkable and engaging park system and the resources it offers to the October 11, 2011 meeting of the Parks and Environment Committee.

The City of Toronto has an abundant number of City parks enjoyed by residents and visitors. Many tourists visit City websites to gather information when choosing a destination. In order to promote all the City has to offer it would be beneficial if all of our City parks and their amenities were listed on our City website. Ensuring all amenities are listed would also help in streamlining our City park permitting process as residents would be given a complete listed of all amenities within the City park there are interested in.

I am requesting Parks Forestry and Recreation update the City's website to ensure all City-owned parks are listed along with a detailed description of the parks' landscape, amenities and City events.

Currently most of the City parks are listed at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/parks/index.htm, along with a list of featured parks simplifying the site for visitors. Yet detailed amenities for our City parks are found more quickly and more abundant on public sites such as Wikipedia. 

Morningside Park in my ward for example is listed on the City web-site in this format: Fire pits 4, Playground, with the park address.  The amenities should include splash pad/ water park, picnic areas, 416.7 acres, public washrooms, parking, footpaths connecting to waterfront trail, forested area, urban wilderness, encompassed by highland creek, Great location to view deer and other wildlife.