“Banned kite flying?” That might sound odd. But it is true at Milliken Park. Welcome to Milliken Park in Scarborough. It spans 32 hectares. That is 79 acres. Milliken Park is named after the Milliken community.
Let’s step back in time. This land was once Milliken’s Corners. Norman Milliken founded it in 1807. He was a United Empire Loyalist. He came from New Brunswick. Back then, it was mostly farmland.
Milliken Park officially opened in 1993. It is a relatively new park. It quickly became a local favorite. There are three playgrounds. A splash pad offers cool relief. The Milliken Park Community Recreation Centre sits on the west side. It offers programs for all ages. You can find visual arts. There is dance and fitness. Youth leadership and sports are also available. Camps are popular.
For years, kite flying was a common sight. Imagine 70 kites soaring every weekend. It was a vibrant display. But a darker side emerged. Kite fighting became popular. This is a common activity in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. The novel “The Kite Runner” made it famous. It is by Khaled Hosseini.
Kite fighters used strings coated with sharp materials. They tried to cut other kites’ strings. This caused problems. Littered kites and sharp strings harmed wildlife. Birds got strangled. Some lost limbs. Park users got scraped.
In August 2010, Toronto banned kite flying at Milliken Park. It was a difficult decision. But it was necessary to protect people and animals.
Milliken Park hosts a Canada Day fireworks show every year. However, the 2020 show was canceled. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual celebrations replaced it.
Today, Milliken Park offers paved trails. Lovely gardens invite relaxation. Water features add to the scenery. There is even a mini forest trail. It’s a place for everyone. Whether you want to play, exercise, or simply relax. Milliken Park welcomes you. Take a stroll. Enjoy the beauty. Remember its history. Appreciate the peace it offers today.