In September, the Probus Walking Club continued its outing along the shores of Lake Ontario. This time, we met in the parking lot just to the east of Sunnyside/Gus Ryder pool, arguably the largest outdoor pool in Canada. Heading east, we came to a reminder of the much-loved, now destroyed in the name of progress, Sunnyside Amusement Park.
For those who are too young to have experienced this jewel on Toronto’s lakeshore, it was an amusement park with a roller coaster, two Merry-Go-Rounds (one the Derby Racer, the other sold to Disneyland in California), numerous other thrill rides, food stands, a band shell, and several entertainment venues such as night clubs and dance halls. This all disappeared when the Gardiner Expressway was bulldozed through. Several books telling the story of Sunnyside have been published, most notably by Toronto historian Mike Filey.
The remaining structures include the Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion that still stands, although diminished from its former glory as a fine dining spot, and the Palais Royale dance hall, still functioning with big band type of music as well as with private functions.
A little further to the east, sits the exclusive Boulevard Club, a gathering place for those who can afford it. Somehow, they were astute enough in the past to negotiate a lease of waterfront land—something that would never happen today!
Going slightly uphill over the shore of ancient Lake Iroquois, we find a branch of the Royal Canadian Legion with its huge poppy logo.
This building was formerly the headquarters of the Shrine Club.
Beside the municipal tennis courts, sits a witness to the city’s finally recognizing human needs.
It only costs 25 cents but if you need it in an emergency, I’m sure you would pay anything to gain access.
Next, we came to Marilyn Bell Park, named in honour of the youngest person to swim across Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Toronto. At one time, you could drive into the park and leave your car and take a stroll, but that is all gone now as there is a bike and pedestrian path instead of parking.
There are, however, some beautiful plantings along the lake shore.
After Marilyn Bell park, lies Ontario Place. We have all heard about the Ontario Government’s intention to install a luxe spa there, a move that involved cutting down hundreds of mature trees on the west island. It was interesting to see the “progress” that is being made. This is the island that contained the flume ride and the silos that showcased the Ontario government.
The group of walkers was fascinated by the destruction.
Then it was time to return to our cars. Along the way, we passed some trees that were beginning to show their fall colours.
We followed the path to the boardwalk that runs the length of Sunnyside Beach to the west of the Palais Royale.
Here, you can find a specially planted Butterfly Garden and there actually were some butterflies flitting around the flowers.
Here, you will also find a monument to the Hungarians who rose up against Russian domination of their country in 1956, many of whom fled to Canada.
It was a rather gloomy day that we chose for our walk, but we still had a good, informative, stimulating walk.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 