As part of this year's celebration of National Parks a map was published of all the parks across the country and I realized that I had spent time in at least a dozen in eight provinces. They are all removed from urban centres, as one might imagine.Wonderful news that a new national park has been announced in Scarborough, of all places. This Rouge Valley park will be roughly 10,000 acres, so small by other park standards. And it is nestled in the Greater Toronto Area with all its hustle and bustle. What better location though, than where it can be reached by public transit by those who might never travel to wilder spots. Rougepark.com
I feel that our parks are national treasures and sacred spaces. I experience God as creator in the beauty and the complexity of the natural systems. Our hope is to spend some time at the Keji Seaside Adjunct in Nova Scotia this summer, a wild, magnificent place but we may check out the new park in our own backyard.
What is your experience with National Parks? Other wild places? Any thoughts about the Rouge Valley announcement?
That is great about the park in Scarborough. Our provincial and national parks are wonderful places to remind us that there is life outside the hustle and bustle of it all.
ReplyDeleteI read an article in the Toronto Star recently in which a doctor is giving "prescriptions" to some patients, advising them they must visit a park or conservation area x times per week. They actually get it written out on a prescription pad! So, it definitely is the healthy thing to do.
New York is one of my favourite placs to visit, and Central Park is perhaps the biggest reason. Right in the middle of crazy Manhattan, you can go deep in the interior of the 1,000 acre park and almost, almost forget you are in the Big Apple.
Thanks johnny. I think it would be great to arrange a congregational hike at the Rouge Valley park.
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