Past Events
come join our community's events.
September 7, 2025
Birding Walk
our community came together at Marita Payne Park for a guided birding walk led by Jill Kelly from TRCA. Participants enjoyed spotting local species, learning about bird habitats, and connecting with nature in the park.
August 10, 2025
Bocce Tournament
Community members gathered at the Marita Payne Park bocce court for an afternoon of friendly competition and fun. Teams enjoyed a lively atmosphere, great sportsmanship, and the chance to connect with neighbours while playing this classic game.
July 12, 2025
Tree & Shrub Baseline Survey
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Tree & Shrub Baseline Survey in the food forest! Together, we collected important data to help track growth, support future planting, and promote biodiversity in the park.
July 5, 2025
Discover your trail in joint with Vaughan Public Library.
We teamed up with Vaughan Public Libraries for a guided walk through Marita Payne Park. Participants explored local wildlife and learned how to use the iNaturalist app to identify plants and animals along the trail. A great morning of nature, learning, and community
June 8, 2025
Community Planting Event
The Friends of Marita Payne Park hosted a community planting event on June 8, 2025, in the food forest area, with over 40 participants.
We planted more than 100 perennials, grasses, and shrubs provided through the City of Vaughan’s Green Guardians program. We plan to host more events this year and look forward to continued support and collaboration.
Impacts of the Planting:
The new pollinator garden will support birds, bats, bees, butterflies, and moths, enhancing local biodiversity.
The event encouraged intergenerational and cross-cultural community connections.
We are building a “third place” in the community for relaxation and contemplation.
Many children took part in planting, creating a lasting connection as they return to care for what they helped grow.
Thank you to all who participated and made this a memorable experience, especially Loui Kakarelis, Lead Gardener at the City of Vaughan, and Regional Councillor Mario G. Racco, for their continued support.
April 13, 2025
Grafting Workshop with Loui Kakarelis
On April 13,, Marita Payne Park hosted a hands-on grafting workshop led by Loui Kakarelis from the City of Vaughan. Participants learned essential fruit tree grafting techniques and gained insight into sustainable orchard care. The event supported the continued development of the park’s edible forest and promoted community-based urban agriculture.
November 2, 2024
Planting Edible Herbs
Community members planted herbs such as mint, basil, and thyme to enhance the edible forest. Attendees learned about the role of herbs in permaculture, their culinary uses, and their environmental benefits.
October 16, 2024
Adding Mulch
Community members helped spread mulch around trees and garden beds to improve soil health, retain moisture, and prevent weeds. This hands-on event educated participants on soil conservation and sustainable gardening practices.
September 23, 2023
Planting Edible Forest
Community members planted a variety of fruit trees and shrubs, creating a sustainable food source for the community. Participants learned about urban food forests and their benefits for biodiversity and local ecosystems.
