Earl Bales Park is located on the site of the old York Downs Golf Course in the West Don River valley. Tees and greens can still be recognized in the park landscape. The property was originally owned and settled by John Bales, the great grandfather of Robert Earl Bales. The historic Bales homestead, built in 1824, remains intact at the north-west corner of the park.

Robert Earl Bales was 37 years old when elected as Reeve of the Township of North York in 1934. He was the youngest Reeve in North York's history and later went on to become York County Council Warden after eight years as a council member. From its inception in 1947 to 1968, he was a member of North York's planning board and its Chairman for many years. To honour Earl Bales' record of public service in North York, the park was named after him and officially opened on June 19, 1975, by Premier William Davis.

1500 seat Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre
Alpine ski-centre with full snow making facilities, equipment rental and coaching programs
Earl Bales Woods v(E.S.A.#66) contains Sugar Maple, Black Maple and American Beech forest in south-west of park
Mature Black Walnut stand in the north end of park
Snack bar at North York Ski Centre open seasonally
Playground and snack bar at Earl Bales Community Centre
Theatre
Public phones at Ski and Community Centres

Hinder Property
Provides excellent sheltered habitat for birds and other wildlife