5 Safe Parks and Trails in London, ON for Seniors

Warm weather is here to stay in the month of June in Canada, and lockdown restrictions are slowly but surely letting up. Even so, one thing everyone can do regardless of being on lockdown is safely spend time outside. 

London, Ontario was often nicknamed “The Forest City” due to the four million trees scattered around the city, until development projects diminished the city’s greenery. Fortunately, around 5000 trees are planted each year in London. Still, there are numerous parks and walking spaces around the city. 

By ‘senior-safe’ parks and trails, we mean that the parks are easily accessible and accommodating for both handicapped and able-bodied seniors and aging adults. Senior-safe parks often have many benches or seating areas, one or multiple washrooms, wide walking spaces, paths, or sidewalks for ample walking room, and are generally on the flatter side, since too many high and steep hills can cause straining or injury. For instance, places like Warbler Woods, with its high, steep hills, should be avoided by seniors and aging adults. Here are five parks and trails in London that are safe for seniors and aging adults. 

The beautiful view of Thames River from the Greenway side of Springbank Park in London, ON

1) Springbank Park

Springbank Park is located along Thames River and is one of London’s main attractions, with it being London’s largest park at 300 acres. It possesses 30 km worth of trails and is a very flat, safe park, with washrooms and benches scattered evenly around the park and wide, smooth walkways.

There are numerous trails within the park, and it connects to Greenway Park, Civic Gardens, Storybook Gardens, and more, with the best view of Thames River from multiple angles. You can often find food trucks parked in certain areas of the park, which is perfect if you like to stroll and snack or if you get peckish after a long walk!

A senior walking through Victoria Park in London, ON in the fall

2) Victoria Park

Victoria Park is another well-maintained, senior-safe park, where recreational activities and community events often take place. When Christmas rolls around, it is one of the best places to visit at night due to the festive lights strewn on all the trees. It is smaller than Springbank but equally as flat, with smooth pathways and many benches to sit on, and is a great place to have a picnic or a short walk.

3) Kilally Meadows

Kilally Meadows is an 11 km long preserve that is touted as a very accessible trailway. It is one of London’s 21 Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs), meaning it is a natural area that the city is concerned with preserving. It has multi-use pathways, designated rest areas, potable drinking water, and multiple washrooms.

Like the previous parks, it is also quite flat, with a minimal incline. It does not have as many benches as Springbank and Victoria, but they are still there. There is also a great view of the north of the Thames River, and of Meander Creek. 

4) Harris Park

Harris Park is right in the heart of London, and has another spectacular view of Thames River. Since it is in Downtown London, it is not one of the most ‘natural’ areas as are Springbank or Kilally, but festivals are often held there and it is close to other attractions such as Eldon House, the Grand Theatre, and St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica. There are no washrooms, but it is a relatively small park that you may not be at for too long. It is a nice park to have a short walk or picnic, and has a pretty memorial fountain that is perfect for pictures. 

An aerial photo of Harris Park in London, ON, with a view of the Walter J. Blackburn Memorial Fountain

5) Medway Valley Heritage Forest

Finally, the Medway Valley Heritage Forest is a 10km trail, and is another one of London’s ESAs. Its paved areas allows for easy access around the forest, where you can watch and listen to the rich wildlife around the forest. This is a great spot for enthusiastic birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers. 

One section of the forest is quite narrow; the paved path ends before a second bridge and the beginning of a wood-chipped trail, which turns into a wide dirt path before a third bridge. As long as you do not go beyond that point, the forest is a lovely scenic site to be enjoyed during the summer. 

An aerial photo of downtown London, ON

London clearly has many beautiful, scenic parks and trails that are accessible and enjoyable by people of all ages and abilities. If you ever feel like safely setting out into the Great Outdoors, all five of these parks and trails are wonderful options. 

Our caregivers are happy to drive our clients to these parks, take nice strolls with them, and assist them with other needs or concerns they may have while walking. Check out our Instagram page for more information on senior care in London, Ontario.