File Photo | Guild Park Walking Trail | July 2014
Friends of Guild Park & Gardens has canceled its plans for this year’s family Hallowe’en Haunt event at Guild Park due to major construction throughout the site. The event was originally scheduled for Guild Park’s Greek Theatre in late October.
Demolition now underway on sections of the former Guild Inn and nearby structures is limiting access to sections of the historic 88-acre park, located at 201 Guildwood Pkwy., Scarborough. The work is part of the $16‑million development proposed for Guild Park, which includes restoring the original Guild Inn building and adding modern wings for a new restaurant and meeting facility.
While Guild Park remains open to the public, most of the existing parking lots and a new driveway are fenced off as part of the construction zone around the old building. Fewer than 10 parking spaces are currently available for park visitors, some walking paths are blocked and only two portable toilets remain available.
“We’re pleased that this work is underway and recognize the disruption is temporary,” said John Mason, president of Friends of Guild Park. “While so much of Guild Park is under construction and has limited public access, it’s not prudent to hold a major family event such as the Halloween Haunt.”
The volunteer group launched the free Family Hallowe’en Haunt at Guild Park three years ago to increase activity and awareness of the public park. The event has featured costume competitions for children 13 and under, pumpkin decorating, face painting, entertainment, even a competition for the best-costumed dog. In 2014, more than 250 people attended, including costumed children, their friends and families.
“We thank everyone who attended, our volunteers and sponsors for all their past support and for their under-standing this year,” Mason said. “Next year, we expect the Hallowe’en Haunt will return to a refurbished park.”
To share more information about Guild Park’s future, Friends of Guild Park is hosting a “community conversation” about the park’s future as part of its 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The meeting takes place Thurs. Oct. 22, starting at 7 pm at the Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church, 140 Livingstone Rd., Scarborough.
“There are many separate plans underway for different aspects of Guild Park,” says Mason. “We’re eager to give Guild Park supporters and the public an overview of all these plans from a volunteer perspective.”
He explains that the AGM is an informal and “unofficial” way for people to learn about Guild Park. After the meeting, Guild Park officials will receive a summary of the “community conversation.” Mason expects this public feedback will provide useful insights for future Guild Park meetings. The most recent public meeting organized by City of Toronto staff about Guild Park took place July 2014.