The heart of the Bickford Park area is centered around the Bob Abate Centre and the Bickford Park playground, which serve as gathering spots, for the knit families, in the neighbourhood.
Bickford Park was first established by Jewish immigrants along, with people from descent but now its a diverse neighbourhood with residents from various cultural backgrounds living together harmoniously. The area is known for its affordable housing options and great shopping opportunities as it has easy access to public transportation making it a popular choice for many.
History Of Bickford Park, Toronto
The community of Bickford Park takes its name from Colonel E.Oscar Bickford who was a figure, in Toronto’s business and political circles, in the past.Also a prosperous landholder; he possessed the land that today constitutes the Bickford Ravine Park.His spouse Emily A.Bickford sold this piece of land to the City of Toronto for $44 250 in 1908.At the northern edge of Bickford Park,the Elizabethan Recreation Centre was established in 1913. The playground was dedicated to the “The Lizzies” a group of neighbourhood sports teams known for their success, in levels of sports like baseball and basketball across the country.The facility was renamed The Bob Abate Community Recreation Centre in 1990 as a tribute, to the coach of the “The Lizzies”.
Nine decades since its establishment the Bickford Park playground remains a symbol of aspirations for the community in the western part of town.
Lifestyle
The shopping area, in Bloorcourt Village along Bloor Street features an array of shops and dining options to explore and enjoy year round! In the month of June each year is when the Village comes alive with festival celebrations that include lively music acts like strolling musicians and bands as entertaining performances, by clowns and magicians. All adding to the festive atmosphere that delights shoppers and visitors alike!
On College Street lies the Little Italy shopping area renowned for its Italian eateries and cozy pizza joints.
On Harbord Street stands a shopping area, with a layout perfect for strolling around leisurely. The charming business establishments in this location offer a range of stores along, with fashionable eateries, pastry shops and cafes.
Bickford Park, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The heart of leisure activities in this area is the Bob Abate Recreation Centre situated on Montrose Avenue where you can access a gymnasium and creative space along with meeting rooms for community gatherings.The Bickford Centre stands adjacent to the Bob Abate Centre boasting a pool and spacious gymnasium for activities.
The playground at Bickford Park is situated south of the community center. Is home to two baseball fields that host baseball leagues like rookie ball and T ball games regularly played here with great enthusiasm. Additionally the park boasts an area with several picnic spots and benches for visitors to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Moreover this park features a network of walking paths that wind through its grounds. Furthermore dog owners often gather at the end of the park where there is a known off leash dog park, for their furry companions to play freely.
Art Eggleton Park is situated across the street from Bickford Park and, to the south of Harboard Avenue in Toronto city It’s named after a Mayor of the city and is known for its expansive kids play areas and a wading pool, for little ones to enjoy on sunny days.
Bickford Park, Toronto Transit
This area offers bus and streetcar transportation, along Harbord St., College St. And Ossington Avenue for residents of Bickford Park neighbourhood to access the Bloor Danforth subway line through the Ossington and Christie Street stations easily by foot or car within minutes of downtown and approximately fifteen minutes away, from the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard.
Bickford Park, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
In Toronto lies the lively and conveniently situated Bickford Park neighbourhood renowned for its knit community vibe and green spaces, near the city center area It’s a place where families can find a range of education choices such as Catholic and private schools catering to elementary, secondary and high school students alike.
- Public Schools: 5
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 3
Public Schools:
- Palmerston Avenue Junior Public School
- Dewson Street Junior Public School
- Ossington/Old Orchard Junior Public School
- Harbord Collegiate Institute
- Central Toronto Academy
Catholic Schools:
- St. Raymond Catholic School
- St. Bruno Catholic School
- Loretto College School
- Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School
Private Schools:
- The Mabin School
- Royal St. George’s College
- The York School
Bickford Park provides access to a diverse selection of public, Catholic, and private schools, making it an ideal neighbourhood for families seeking quality education in a lively and well-connected area. The schools in and around Bickford Park are known for their strong academic programs and supportive communities.
Bickford Park, Toronto Homes
The Victorian houses, in Bickford Park were constructed from 1880, to 1930 featuring a variety of two and three story residences, including both detached and detached homes.
The streets of Bickford Park are adorned with front gardens and established trees that add to its beauty and character. The traffic passing by the houses is minimal since all the roads allow one way traffic only; garages are conveniently located at the laneways, behind the homes