Submitted by Mark on Feb, 20

Childhood Memories of Tennis in Parkdale

I played tennis is Georgetown. I started playing it when I was 12 and then I migrated to Toronto when he was 17 in the late 80s. I moved here with my family. I first lived in Parkdale, but now live in Scarborough. When I moved to Toronto I continued to play tennis every summer until I started working. I played with friends in a Parkdale tennis court on the Martin Goodman trail path. It was a simulated public play court. I would drive around the city and would know specific places because of the tennis courts. A few courts have been converted into ice rinks. Earls Court Park was a tennis court in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. I still play tennis now, but not as much as I would like to. I signed up my daughter to play tennis, and my wife likes badminton. I think it's really important to stay active. I play badminton with my family outside my house. We play into the late hours of the night.

How is this object or story important to you?

Tennis is important because it takes me back to when I first moved here. It's a large part of my childhood memories. Growing up somewhere else other than Toronto, I felt sort of sheltered. It's not the experience that kids have nowadays. It reminds me of the warm, long summer days. You didn't have much, and looking back now, I really appreciate those days. You didn't have anything, connectivity, internet, etc. Things were less complicated. It's nice to go back. The sunny days take me back to when I first came to Toronto. I used to ride my bike as well.

What does it add to the story of Toronto?

I really thinks Toronto is a great place. I feel as though it is not promoted enough. All the tennis courts are free. Tennis is considered a sport for the rich, however, people aren't aware of all the free tennis courts in town. Toronto has always been a great place for living. There are countless bike trails, a lot of free activities and services for the public—people don't always take advantage of what is offered. I don't feel as though these opportunities are promoted enough. There are lots of things to make you healthy in Toronto. My oldest daughter is 17 and her dream was to move to New York. Now she doesn't want to leave because she loves Toronto so much. It's getting better and better. She wants to be a lawyer. In another few generations, I believe Toronto will be more like New York in terms of community connections. People are always focused on where they're from. In a few generations, people will realize that this is what we have, this is what we need, and this is what will make us stronger.

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