Learning martial arts in the orchard

Last week, 10 martial arts students from the local dojo, Classical Martial Arts Centre (978 Eglinton Ave. W.), brightened Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard. As they practiced their routine of kicks, punches, rolls and jabs just steps away from our young fruit trees, their colourful uniforms looked beautiful against the backdrop of green.

Classical Martial Arts Centre also brought along a few extra students to teach local residents some introductory martial arts moves. Three brave souls tried their hand at a tai chi routine.

In the years to come, Growing for Green would like to see even more people participate in their organized free community events. Earlier this June, we invited Knit-O-Matic to hold a beginners knitting workshop, and The Paper Boutique to hold a colouring workshop at our Harvest Table. City Councillor Joe Mihevc also sponsored a screening of Karate Kid as our outdoor movie.

While everyone may have a different view of what purpose parks serve – whether it is for walking dogs, children’s playgrounds, playing ball or Frisbee – at Growing for Green, we hold a wider view of possibilities. In fact, we planted a community orchard in ours, and continue to hold various activities that highlight other ways to enjoy our green spaces, both related to the orchard and not.

Parks, according to the late Jane Jacobs, are not automatically a good thing. Many are neglected. Some attract crime. But the most successful parks are the ones that are bustling with healthy activities, and attract people of all ages and from all walks of life.

That’s the park that we at Growing for Green envision and are working to build. Thank you so much to the Upper Village BIA (www.uppervillagetoronto.ca), city Councillor Joe Mihevc and our fantastic local businesses that have helped us work toward this goal!