City of Toronto seeking public input for a new five-year plan for parks, trails and natural areas

October 20, 2011 The City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division is seeking public input for the new five-year Parks Plan. As directed by Council, the plan will guide decision-making and investment in City parks in order to meet the diverse needs of Toronto residents, including: • designing beautiful, unique and sustainable park spaces • protecting and expanding natural areas• balancing park uses to include play spaces, natural areas, sport activities, urban agriculture and cultural expression• engaging the community through stewardship, volunteering and partnerships, and• ensuring that the City's parks and trails are available and accessible to all residents."This is an important opportunity for Torontonians to express their opinions about the Toronto parks system," said Councillor Norm Kelly (Ward 40 Scarborough-Agincourt), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee. "I encourage everyone to complete the online survey or attend a public consultation session."Residents are invited to attend one of four public consultation meetings:Scarborough - Monday, November 7, Warden Hilltop Community Centre, 25 Mendelssohn St. North York - Wednesday, November 16, Mitchell Field Community Centre, 89 Church Ave. Toronto East York - Thursday, November 24, Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne St. Etobicoke York - Thursday, December 1, Amesbury Community Centre, 1507 Lawrence Ave. W. The public can also provide feedback about parks services through an online survey, launched today at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/parksplan. For more information about the public survey or to participate in a public consultation session about the new Parks Plan, visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/parksplan or contact 311. Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. -30-