London park hits the mark

The city's Victoria Park truly is a park for all seasons.

During the springtime, the downtown park becomes a hub of activity as Londoners emerge from hibernation to rediscover the great outdoors. Then in the summer people picnic and throw Frisbees in the abundant green space, while the less athletically inclined individuals read books under the shade of the century-old trees. By autumn, the park becomes a great destination to take in the fall foliage, boasting a wide array of oranges, reds and yellows. On Nov. 26, the downtown park transformed into a winter wonderland as thousands of Christmas lights turned on and space was made for the ice rink once the weather realizes it's December.

Established as a social hub in 1874 after years of military use, Victoria Park is the Canadian equivalent of the United State's Central Park, albeit much smaller, spanning only 15 acres compared to the big apple's 770-acre green space.

Londoners make use of the park all year round. During the fall, Remembrance Day is observed at the cenotaph in the park's southeast corner. Revelers pack the park to ring in the New Year in the winter (real Canadians don't party indoors on Dec. 31). In the spring, protesters descend upon the bandshell and make some noise about one issue or another – probably hoping the bandshell's good acoustics will help get their message heard. And I don't even have enough space in this column to list the many festivals happening at the park throughout the summer. From Ribfest and Sunfest to the International Food Festival and LOLA, the City of London estimates that one million visitors pass through the park for numerous special events.

There's no off-season for the downtown park. And although the grass isn't fit to putt on, it looks pretty good for all the trampling it takes.

If James Brown is considered the hardest working man in show business, then Vic Park is the hardest working venue in the … park business?

Sadly, with the onset of winter, the park loses its beloved mascot: the squirrel.

Nowhere in the world are squirrels as friendly – or as fat – as they are in the downtown park, where it's not uncommon for one of the furry rodents to eat directly from people's hands.

I doubt the wildlife at Central Park would eat a peanut out of anyone's hand. But, then again, New Yorkers aren't renowned for their friendliness.