What is a park?

The earliest parks were created by Persian kings who used them as private hunting areas. The practice of game parks was carried on in medieval England and as in Persia, the public was excluded. The industrial revolution created large polluted cities and parks were seen as an escape from industrial grime. In modern times, parks have evolved to serve many purposes and city parks like Raymore preserve native flora and fauna while providing a place to relax, exercise and take in the beauty of nature. Raymore sits on a flood plain and so floods can occur relatively harmlessly.

Who are parks for?

There are many neighbourhoods in Toronto where detached homes are the norm. These homes are often surrounded by beautiful gardens with a back yard and tranquil space. Unfortunately, at a price of $1.27 million, for an average detached home and $1 million for a semi, homes with gardens are beyond the reach of most Toronto residents. Only about one in three people are able to enjoy a garden.

For most people in Toronto, parks are the only form of green space available to them and the best way to escape from stale indoor air. This is why adequate and varied parkland is a vital component of life in a city.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a natural product of breathing but is toxic at high levels. Fresh air contains around 420 parts per million of CO₂. Without adequate ventilation (which is quite common in heated and air conditioned environments, levels of CO₂ can build up. When carbon dioxide exceeds 1000 ppm, problems can arise such as headaches, nausea and dizziness.

Park air is probably healthier than indoor air because it is likely cleaner and has lower CO₂. In summer, parks turn carbon dioxide into oxygen. That’s not all. Being among trees reduces stress. A walk on a treadmill cannot duplicate the relaxation that comes from a walk in the woods. Sunshine can brighten a mood and in summer months, provide essential vitamin D.

In Canada, our cities are becoming more crowded and parks are a way for people to enjoy nature. People without gardens of their own depend on parks and open spaces as an escape from indoor air. This is why parkland in cities is precious and must be protected at all costs. Providing access to nature is more important than ever and should be considered a human right. Parks are not a frill; they’re an essential component of a healthy life.

That is why the loss of parkland in a city is an attack on the health of its people.