Free Seniors Programs Off to a Strong Start at Guild Park

More than 65 active adults register in first week for upcoming activities

Guild Park is where active adults 55+ can enjoy weekly Activity Walks, Gardening and Art Workshops all specially designed for local seniors and hosted by Friends of Guild Park. Activities are free with online advance registration at https://www.friendsofguildpark.com/seniors

Friends of Guild Park is delighted with the early response to our new free Seniors Programs at Guild Park & Gardens.

In the first week of online registration, more than 65 people signed up for activities taking place this summer and fall. Even more encouraging, 22 registrations were received immediately following Guildwood Day, demonstrating strong local interest in opportunities that help older adults stay active, connected and engaged in their community.

One of Guild Park's Experiential Art Workshops

The initiative is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. It's the first time Friends of Guild Park has been able to bring together walks, gardening activities, and art workshops under one coordinated program especially for older adults living in Scarborough and surrounding communities.

Friends of Guild Park has organized three different types of activities, running from June through the fall:

Gardening & Stewardship

This summer, New Horizons participants can learn how native plants - like those at Guild Park's award-winning garden - attract Monarch Butterflies and other pollinators.

Learn about eco-friendly gardening from Guild Park's local volunteers for weekly gardening sessions, plus special talks exploring native plants, pollinators, biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Gardening and stewardship details here

Activity Walks

Enjoy easy-paced guided walks through Guild Park's beautiful natural and historic landscape. Each walk includes a light warm-up, approximately 45 minutes of walking, refreshments, and time for conversation afterward. Learn more about Activity Walks and register here.

Artist Carol Knowlton-Dority makes art at Guild Park a hands-on creative experience for everyone involved.

Experiential Art Workshops

Led by professional artist Carol Knowlton-Dority, these engaging workshops combine outdoor observation with hands-on creativity inspired by Guild Park's art, architecture and natural landscape.

No previous art experience is required. Just bring your imagination and comfortable shoes for a short walk through the park. Details here

One of the most encouraging aspects of the program is the strong community support it has received. Many are learning about the activities by word-of-mouth, community partners and local organizations including the Guildwood Village Community Association and Venvi Guildwood Retirement Living.

Community support is helping get the word out about this free seniors program. If you'd like to display a poster at your business, workplace, condo, church, mosque, community centre or other gathering place, please contact Friends of Guild Park.

Program posters and information cards are also available at several Guildwood Plaza businesses, including Bank of Montreal, Muddy Paws, J Star Convenience and Guildwood Chiropractic.

If you'd like to help promote the program by displaying a poster or information cards at your business or organization, please send your contact information to friends@guildpark.ca.

All events take place at Guild Park, 201 Guildwood Pkwy., Scarborough M1E 1P5, where art meets nature. The New Horizons progam offers a welcoming way to explore the park, meet new people, enjoy time outdoors and try some creative workshops - no art experience required.

The schedule for Guild Park's New Horizons for Seniors Program is below.

Whether you're interested in walking, gardening, nature, creativity or simply meeting new people, Guild Park offers a welcoming place to get involved.

If you know a friend, neighbour or family member aged 55+ who might enjoy participating, please share this information with them. All activities are free, but space is limited and advance registration is required. We encourage interested participants to register early to avoid disappointment.

For full details and to register online, visit: friendsofguildpark.com/seniors