Information

Location

Tommy Thompson Park is located on the shore of Lake Ontario in the City of Toronto at the foot of Leslie Street.

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Facility

The park, located on a machine-made peninsula that extends five kilometres into Lake Ontario, is locally called the Leslie Street Spit. The Toronto Port Authority began construction of the Spit in the late 1950s and construction continues to this day. The park is open to the public on weekends and holidays and to school groups through the week by appointment only. Due to the nature of the park's master plan, facilities are being kept to a minimum to preserve the park's unique natural environment.

Washroom facilities are basic portable washrooms.
A picnic shelter is available for class introductions, lunch and protection from inclement weather.

Programs

The Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station conducts migration monitoring activities at the park through the spring and fall migrations. Students will observe first-hand, bird-banding research techniques, participate in fun and informative experiential learning activities, develop bird observation and data collection skills and investigate creative methods of conserving songbird populations.

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What to Expect

The program is a true natural experience! There are no food services on-site so groups attending a full day program or planning to have lunch on-site after a half day morning program must bring their own lunches. Groups should expect to eat out-of-doors.
The Spring and Fall weather can be a factor. Being on the waterfront, temperatures can be several degrees cooler then in the city centre. Check the weather forecast the day before and ensure students are dressed appropriately for wind and rainy weather.
Encourage students not to bring overweight backpacks as there is no lockable storage on-site and the program requires hiking. All field equipment is provided for the program on-site.

Daily Routine

Prepare to arrive at the park for 10:00 a.m.
Have your bus driver continue past the public parking area at the base of the Spit and make your way south into the park to the access gates about one kilometre into the park.
Your group will be greeted by TRCA education staff, who will board the bus and guide the group to the study area and research station.
Pickup time and location is confirmed with the bus driver, and the group disembarks for the program/activities.
Bus pickup and departure is usually between 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Transportation

School groups must hire the service of a bus to access the park (even if your school is in walking distance).
During the week the site is still actively under construction with dump trucks traveling back and forth on the peninsula. Staff of the Toronto Port Authority monitor access onto the site and do not allow pedestrian traffic.

What to Wear and Bring

Please ensure the students are aware of the potential for inclement weather in the park and that they bring appropriate outdoor clothing.
Students must bring their own lunches.
Students should bring a pen or pencil for journal keeping.
Sturdy shoes suitable for walking

Teachers' Preparation/Involvement:

Experienced TRCA education staff will lead all aspects of the program.
Teachers and additional adults are asked to monitor and maintain appropriate student behavior.

Safety:

Staff First Aid Training: All staff participating in group programming have been trained in basic first aid and first aid equipment is on-site at all times.

Nearest Hospital/Emergency Response Time: The Toronto East General Hospital is the nearest hospital. Emergency response time is approximately five to 10 minutes.

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Accessibility:

Tommy Thompson Park has very level terrain, with the main road paved and a gravel topped secondary road (to the research station and activity area). The walking trails used during the program are not suitable for wheelchair access.