New 8K race in Toronto to help rejuvenate the city’s playgrounds

A new 8K run in Toronto will raise money for playgrounds in the city’s high-priority neighbourhoods. The Canadian Tire Run for Playgrounds on Oct. 12 in High Park features an 8K run, a 5K jog or walk and a 1K kids fun run.

Fittingly, the start/finish line and expo area is located beside the newly rebuilt Jamie Bell Adventure Playground. The previous playground was destroyed by arson in 2012 and rebuilt by a coalition of organizations and volunteers, a perfect example of how community groups can work together to support city infrastructure that benefits kids.

“Playgrounds are the heart of our communities,” says Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation chair Cynthia MacDougall, whose group is working with the new race. “For many kids, a playground represents their first opportunity for unstructured play. They can have fun, while taking calculated risks and build important skills that translate into sport later on in life.”

With half the proceeds of the race going towards Canadian Tire Jumpstart and other half to the Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation, the event will support a continued commitment to breaking down financial and infrastructure barriers that prevent kids from getting active in the first place.

To register for the run, or volunteer on race day, visit www.runforplaygrounds.ca.