Scarlett Mills Park - (Humber River)

 In Toronto's west end about half-way between the Queensway and Hwy 401, there are a string of parks and trails to explore heading northwest from Eglinton Avenue west to Steeles West.

The first one located on the west bank of the Humber River is Scarlett Mills Park.  It's only about .9 miles long but it's got lots of nice little secret paths off the main trails.   Under a neat little cove surrounded by trees are clean and clear openings to the river, you can sit back and relax and try your luck on a line or two in the water or just enjoy the peace from the busy city.


Was funny to see an old black couch which has been meticulously placed by the river bank.  It looked a little worn, and probably used by many a ponderer or fisherman.  

Historically, the Scarlett family were early settlers in the area north of Lambton Mills where numerous members of the Scarlett family made it their home.  Father John Scarlett owned a sawmill and a distillery.  

Most of the Scarletts' estate is used today as a Golf and Country Club (Lambton Gold and Country Club).  

Another historical fact is that after the notorious Hurricane Hazel in 1954, many sources had contributed their time and money to restore the land and lives destroyed by this event to form the Scarlett Mills Park.



 







Further Notes:
The park can be entered by vehicle from Edenbridge Drive.  It is also accessible by TTC.  A special note to cyclists you can travel through the park along the Tommy Thompson Trail. 

Summerlea Park Trail

After the devastation of Hurricane Hazel in the 1950's Summerlea Park was one of the numerous conservation areas that was preserved afterwards.  In the north end of the park, Summerlea connects to St. Lucie Park and to the south Pine Point Park.   

Located in the west end of Toronto (bordering beautiful Etobicoke) Summerlea is used often by local wedding photographers, with its lush forests and accommodates a large party with its expanse of parkland.  

As a trail it's moderately flat making it very suitable for jogging (I don't do), walking, blading (weak ankles) and cycling.  The trail connects to the Humber River Recreation Trail (Pine Point or otherwise known as 'The Elms'). 

 
Like the Old Mill Park, we found some peaceful urban spots here as well.  Be warned, the ducks and geese live in a large pond nearby driving me crazy with their noises!  
 
One curious sight I did see, was this sort of inverted basketball net stuck in the middle of the crowd.  It wasn't long before a frisbee just missed my ear and apologies soon followed from two burly men who were obviously involved in some kind of competitive game.  I asked them what sport this was to which they replied,"frisbee golf" or disc golf.