|
||
 Skaters
and Sliders:
|
Public facilities for winter recreation were scarce until the
early 20th century. From 1890, the City flooded one or two rinks each year. Tight budgets,
a lack of space, and opposition from commercial operators meant that even by 1902-03 rinks
existed in only two parks. But in 1911-12, the Parks Department operated 23 skating and 11
hockey rinks and had six heated shelters. In 1934-35, there were 72 skating and 64 hockey
rinks. This expansion was partly due to a new City policy of acquiring land for small neighbourhood parks. Special legislation passed in 1903 allowed Council to purchase parkland without a vote of the ratepayers. Ward aldermen demanded that the new parks serve their constituents year-round. Beginning in 1904-05, the Parks Commissioner sent an ever-increasing list of proposed rinks to Council for approval. Toboggan slides were provided by a private franchisee at High Park as early as 1895. The Parks Department assumed full responsibility during the 1905-06 season and added lights to the icy runs at High Park and Riverdale Park. In 1934-35, slides existed in eight parks. The slides created a furious public battle in 1912, when the Lord's Day Alliance and other sabbatarians succeeded in having Council pass a by-law prohibiting Sunday sliding in the parks. Smaller boys and girls took advantage of children's (or "miniature") slides. These temporary structures were ideal for neighbourhoods with flat topography. The first four children's slides, which operated after school and on Saturdays, were erected in 1911-12. Seventeen children's slides were built during the winter of 1934-35. Index 
Hockey and skating rinks, Willowvale Park 
Skating rink, Withrow Park 
Hockey rink, Withrow Park 
Toboggan slides, High Park 
Children's slide, Kew Gardens |
|
©2001. City of Toronto |
||
