Westside Afternoons
The return of sun and warm weather brings out the crowds, and Vancouver Westside homes are steps from the city’s largest concentration of parkland. Point Grey and Dunbar are among the greenest neighbourhoods in Vancouver, thanks to Pacific Spirit Regional Park, as well as Acadia and Spanish Banks beaches.
Kitsilano has few parks, but they’re just as well used. This week, sports teams were enjoying Connaught Park. While many playing fields are still off-limits, that didn’t stop them using the baseball diamond. I look forward to seeing the cricketeers and other groups out later this summer, and taking in the Kitsilano farmers market when it resumes in May.
The towers of downtown Vancouver as seen from the future Arbutus greenway in Kitsilano.
Walking track
Plans to transform the nearby Arbutus corridor into a greenway are in the works. When it completes, it will connect Kitsilano with Marpole, formalizing what has become a popular walking route for many since trains stopped using it in 2001.
This historic corridor offers spectacular views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore, and more.
Neighbours mingle beside the Cypress community garden in Kitsilano.
Community gardens
Part of what makes the walk so enjoyable are the various community projects along the route. The weekly farmers market in Kerrisdale takes place adjacent to the line, not to mention several community gardens, particularly north of West 6th in Kitsilano. It’s tough to beat the community spirit that comes from neighbours working their allotments, mingling with dog-walkers, or taking a break with their kids at the new play area at West 6th and Fir.
