If you want to get out of the house and enjoy some beautiful scenery, warm sunshine, and excellent amenities, the parks in Collingwood have what you need. The city of Collingwood has several gorgeous parks throughout its city limits that provide plenty of green space, excellent walking trails, fun playgrounds, shelters, and more. This summer, as you are looking to get outside, consider one of the following parks in town. 

Please note: Due to COVID-19, certain amenities in the city parks may be closed such as public restrooms, playgrounds, etc. For more information on potential closures, contact the city of Collingwood.

Collingwood Arboretum 

If you are looking for a park to explore and that is filled with gorgeous plants and flowers, the Collingwood Arboretum should be at the top of that list. This park features both paved and dirt trails that are perfect for hiking, walking, and biking. The extensive plant life throughout the park makes for stunning photos and impressive backdrops for special occasions such as weddings or parties. 

The Collingwood Arboretum is located on Hickory Street, right off of First Street.

Central Park

Central Park is one of the more popular parks in the city. This park includes many amenities for individuals of all ages. For example, this 17-acre park features three baseball diamonds, 300 feet of trails, and an outdoor ice rink. It is the ideal place for when you need to get outdoors and move your body.

Central Park is located on Hume Street, between Minnesota Street and Patterson Street. 

Harbourlands Park

If you want to spend time along the water, you will enjoy Harbourlands Park. This park was built in 2000 and features many landscaped paths and gardens for residents to enjoy. It does not offer numerous amenities like other parks such as large ball diamonds, but it is perfect if you are looking for a space that is quiet and gorgeous.

Harbourlands Park is located on Huron Street and Heritage Drive. 

Sunset Point Park

If you are looking for a waterfront park with many amenities, Sunset Point Park is where you need to be. This 30-acre park is located right on the water and features large, open green spaces. Sunset Point Park has many amenities including volleyball courts and a large playground for children. This park also features many trails, making it easy to explore and take in multiple waterfront views. 

Sunset Point Park is located on St. Lawrence Street. 

Heritage Park

Heritage Park is another community park that has numerous amenities. This park features baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and a popular skateboard and BMX park. If you want to spend the day at this park, pack a lunch and sit at a picnic table or enjoy your meal on one of the many bleachers. Collingwood’s new Centennial Aquatic Centre is also located in this area. 

Heritage Park is located at High Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets.

Warm weather is finally here and that means it is time to get outdoors and start sprucing up your Collingwood home’s landscaping. Not only does a beautiful and well-maintained yard boost your Collingwood home’s curb appeal, but it will increase its property value as well. 

Here are just a few simple ways that you can spruce up your Collingwood home’s landscaping. 

Focus on the Essentials

If you hate working out in the yard, that’s okay. However, this doesn’t mean you can ignore many outdoor tasks. You should still complete projects such as watering the grass, mowing, weeding, etc. These are tasks that will help keep your yard well maintained and healthy. Additionally, depending on the size of your yard, these tasks shouldn’t take too much time to complete. It is best to schedule a certain time each week, such as a Saturday morning or a Wednesday evening, that you set aside to focus on these essential landscaping tasks. 

Aerate and Reseed

Thick, luscious grass often doesn’t grow on its own. You may need to complete a few extra steps to breathe new life into your lawn and to help it grow well. Aerating and reseeding are two steps you can complete during the spring months to give your grass an extra boost. Aerating is when you make small holes throughout your grass. This allows for additional moisture and oxygen to reach your grass’s roots. You can aerate by using a pitchfork or an aerating machine. 

When reseeding, you simply spread grass seed throughout your current grass. This is particularly important in those areas where the grass is thin. You do not have to do too much extra work when reseeding. Cut your grass so it is very short, lay down the seeds, and water. The seed does not have to be buried in the dirt for it to grow. Rather, it simply needs to come in contact with the soil for it to germinate. 

Declutter

Do you have snow shovels sitting on the side of your house? What about bicycles, gardening tools, and other items lying around? If you want your home’s landscaping to look good, you must declutter. You must remove all eyesores that take away from the beauty of your yard. Spend some time organizing these items or donating them if you do not use them anymore. You may consider installing a small shed on the side of your Collingwood home to store many of these outdoor items and to offer an extra level of protection for them as well. 

Turn On Your Sprinkler System

If your Collingwood house has a sprinkler system, have you turned yours on yet? You can turn on your sprinkler system when freezing nights are sparse. Your sprinklers are an excellent way to keep your grass green and to prevent manually watering all of your plants and flowers every day. If you have any problems with your sprinkler system, call a Collingwood company that works with sprinkler installation or repair to prevent potential damage to your pipes and sprinkler heads.

One of the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis is gyms and fitness facilities are closed throughout Collingwood. This makes it difficult for residents to get out of their houses and enjoy various physical activities. Regular exercise offers many health benefits and shouldn’t be something that is pushed down the priority list, particularly at this time. Regular physical activity can increase your energy levels, boost your productivity, better manage your weight, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions. It can also improve your mental health, which many Collingwood residents are struggling with during this time of isolation. 

Luckily, there are several ways you can stay physically active in Collingwood during the COVID crisis. Here are a few of them. 

Go For a Walk

When was the last time you walked around your neighbourhood? Now that the weather is warming up, make it a goal to spend at least 15 minutes or longer walking around your neighbourhood each day. You don’t have to walk quickly or walk for hours at a time. Rather, just get out for a short walk. This is a great family activity and something you can all do together. Map out a route on the streets around your house and start walking. 

If you want to challenge yourself, make it a goal to get a certain number of steps each day. Aim for 7,000 steps and if that’s too easy, increase your goal to a minimum of 10,000 steps each day. 

Online Exercise Videos

You don’t have to leave the house to get a great workout. By doing a quick search, you can find hundreds of online workout videos for all types of physical activities such as kickboxing, cardio, and strength training. There are also many worldwide gyms such as Planet Fitness that are offering daily workouts, regardless of whether you are a member, on their social media pages. These are great resources if you want to stay indoors but still get up and get moving. Plus, these online videos can help you add some variety to your daily exercise routine. 

Explore a Trail

Collingwood is home to a variety of trails. These paths are excellent for exploring, walking, running, and cycling. If you want to get some sunshine, head to one of the local trails and spend some time on the path. However, you will want to make sure you obey all local guidelines and practice social distancing. Additionally, if visiting a paved path at a local park, please follow all rules, avoid playground equipment, and be mindful that restrooms are closed. 

A few Collingwood paths you may want to check out include:

• Collingwood Arboretum
• White’s Bay Park
• Loree Forest Loop
• Georgian Trail
• Sunset Point Trail

While exercising during the COVID crisis is important, you should take several measures to stay safe. A few recommendations from the World Health Organization include: 

• Do not exercise if you have a fever, cough, have trouble breathing, etc. This includes physical activity inside and outside of your home. 
• If you go outside to walk, cycle, or to enjoy other forms of physical activity, wash hands for 20 seconds immediately upon arrival. 
• Always practice social distancing. 
• Follow all directions from our local health authorities in regard to the number of people in a certain outdoor area, trail, etc. 
• Be mindful of the type of activity you perform to reduce the risk of injury. 

By maintaining a regular fitness routine, you will feel happier, more energized, and healthier during this time of isolation. 

What other methods are you finding to stay physically active in Collingwood?

One of the greatest challenges that many parents are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic is keeping their children busy and entertained. Children can no longer run outside with all of their friends, attend a dance or karate class, head to the movies, etc., to keep themselves entertained and busy. Even going to the park is no longer an option as many local parks and city facilities are closed until the local health department determines they are safe to open. 

So, what can you do to keep your children busy when they are quarantined at home? How can you let out a bunch of built-up energy and reduce fights among siblings? Here are a few ideas that children of all ages may love.

Blanket Fort

Get together as a family and build a giant blanket fort. Transform an entire room into this massive fort using all the blankets and pillows you have around your house. Once the fort is complete, grab a laptop, tablet, or other tech device and watch a movie, pop some popcorn, and hang out. You may even consider having a giant family sleepover in the fort as well. 

Sidewalk Obstacle Course

Using sidewalk chalk, draw a giant obstacle course in front of your home. This is a fun activity for younger children and a great way to keep them active and moving their bodies. It also is a good reason to get out into the sun and to do something that is a little different. There are numerous ways you can build these courses. Check out this YouTube video for some great ideas. 

Do a Daily Science Experiment

You may already feel a little overwhelmed as you try to help your children with their schooling from home, but to add a little variety, consider completing simple science experiments. By doing a quick Google search, you can find dozens of experiments you can complete with basic household items and that takes very little time. 

Go for a Family Bike Ride

Another fun activity to do together as a family is to go on a bike ride. You can map out a route around town or even head into the mountains to be a little more adventurous. This is a great way to stay active and keep your kids away from a device or screen. It also is a simple way to create family memories that will last for years to come. 

Host a Read-A-Thon

Do you have children who love to read? If so, set aside a large chunk of time one day to host a read-a-thon. For a specific length of time, turn off all devices, put on your pajamas, and read a book. This could be for just one or two hours in the afternoon or for an entire day. If you have children who have large books to read for school, this is a fun and simple way to help them complete their schoolwork and set aside all distractions. 

What activities have kept your kids busy? Are there any you’d recommend we try?

Spring is here and that means it is time to start planning and working in your flower beds. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still have beautiful, lush, and colourful flower beds around the exterior of your Collingwood home. There are many flowers to consider that are extremely tolerant and forgiving. They can survive with little water, are heat tolerant, and require very little care and maintenance. 

If you want gorgeous flowers around your home this year, but are hesitant due to your gardening skills or the time you can dedicate to your garden, here are several flowers to consider. 

Sedum

Sedums are excellent if you are looking for flowers that will add colour to your yard and do not require extensive care and watering. There are many varieties of this plant so you can find the perfect option for your garden. There are also several sedums that do not boast flowers but will provide rich, thick greenery to your garden area, adding a little texture and contrast to the space. These flowers also like full sun and will grow up to 18-inches tall. 

Russian Sage

If you want a plant that grows tall and will add some texture and colour to your garden, the Russian Sage should be at the top of your list. This plant can grow up to six feet tall and features small violet flowers that pop. This plant is both heat and drought resistant, meaning even in the hottest summers it will thrive. Plus, many insects and animals do not like Russian Sage, helping keep the plant safe throughout the spring and summer months. 

Marigolds

If you are just a beginning gardener, a great flower option is a marigold. This type of flower comes in all colours, making it easy to add eye-catching beauty to planters and flower beds around your home. This flower blooms in the spring, summer, and fall months and will grow well in even poor soil conditions. When watering this flower, you will want to water it well but then allow the soil to dry out between each watering. 

Pansies

Pansies are another type of flower that grows in a variety of colours. These flowers need constant watering to help them grow well but they require very little maintenance. These flowers are excellent to place in planters and they will add some texture to your flower bed as they grow up to 9-inches tall. 

Daylily

Daylilies are a flower that will continue to flower year after year. They are heat tolerant and grow well in full-sun conditions. These flowers add lots of colour and greenery to your flower bed and can grow up to 48-inches tall. Daylilies like deep waterings but you will not need to water them every day. Plus, they are another type of plant that pests simply do not like. 

If you want to add a variety of flowers to your yard, visit your local Collingwood nursery. This is the perfect location to gather landscaping ideas and tips and to purchase all the supplies you need to help your flower beds thrive this year.

As COVID-19 spreads throughout the world, Collingwood residents are doing all they can to help stop the spread and to stay safe. Many individuals are staying at home, finding ways to stay busy. Many businesses are experiencing major changes in their daily processes, particularly restaurants. While most restaurants are considered essential, they are required to close-down their dining services. Luckily, however, many are staying open for business by offering takeout and/or delivery options. 

Here are a few restaurants in Collingwood that are offering takeout and delivery options.

The Smoke

No matter if you are craving delicious sandwiches, burgers, ribs, and more, you will find it at The Smoke. This restaurant has a takeout menu that offers a large selection of foods that you can enjoy in the comforts of your own home. You can also browse their latest takeout and delivery menu on their Facebook page.

If you want to order takeout, the process is a little unique. You will send an email with your order to [email protected]. You will then receive an invoice for your order as well as instructions on picking up your food. Delivery is available but you will be required to pay a $5 delivery charge if in Collingwood and a $7 charge for limited areas in the Blue Mountain area. 

The Hungry Sumo

If you are craving some mouth-watering sushi, The Hungry Sumo should be your next call. You can enjoy some delicious Japanese cuisine from the comforts of your home with this establishment’s takeout and delivery options. Browse the full menu on the restaurant’s website and call to place your order.  Please keep in mind that The Hungry Sumo is asking that you only pay with a Visa or MasterCard during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Hungry Sumo is open between 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Pickup is available directly outside the restaurant and delivery is free throughout Collingwood and the Blue Mountain area. 

Bent Taco

If your taste buds are craving some flavorful Mexican food, the Bent Taco is there for you. A takeout menu can be accessed on this establishment’s website and it offers a variety of burritos, bowls, and kid’s items. A fun item on the menu is the taco kit which comes with everything you need to make three to four savory tacos at home. 

Takeout is available every Thursday to Saturday. Pickup for items begins at 5 p.m. You can order your meal by calling at 705-445-0202 or by placing an order online. 

If your favorite restaurant didn’t make our list, give them a call to see what delivery or takeout options are available. Many establishments throughout the city are making unique adjustments to ensure you have your favourite foods during this crazy time. 

There’s no question that the coronavirus pandemic is affecting daily life. Activities and events have been canceled throughout cities and many businesses have been forced to close their doors or make major adjustments to how they serve their customers. However, despite these major changes, there are many things you can do to help the businesses survive and thrive in the community. You can make an effort to support local businesses in this time of need. 

Here are several ways you can support local businesses in Collingwood. 

Order Takeout or Curbside Pickup

Just because a restaurant has its dining room closed, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a delicious meal. Many local restaurants still offer takeout and curbside pickup options. If financially possible, choose a local restaurant at least once a week and order a meal for your entire family. 

Shop Over the Phone

If you need supplies for home improvement projects around your home or even to landscape your yard while you work outside, contact a local business and ask to shop over the phone. Many businesses are more than happy to accommodate you and may bring your items directly to your vehicle. 

Reschedule Appointments

If you have an appointment at a local facility, such as a hair salon, don’t call and cancel your appointment. Rather, call and reschedule it for a later date. This will not only help businesses but it will give their employees peace of mind that once this pandemic is over, there will be business to help them thrive. 

Write Positive Customer Reviews

Is there a restaurant in town that you absolutely love? What about a local masseuse or auto shop? While you are sitting at home, take the time to write positive customer reviews on some of your favourite places in town. This helps to build up the company’s online presence and statistics show that more than 97% of people read online reviews for local businesses and 90% say these reviews affect their purchasing decisions. 

Purchase Gift Cards

If you are hesitant to purchase food or other items from local businesses, it doesn’t mean you can’t offer your support. Visit some of your favourite establishments and purchase gift cards that you can use at a later date. You will still be providing income to the local businesses but you can enjoy their products and services once the current chaos has settled down. 

Order Food for Delivery to Senior Citizens

Many elderly individuals have not left their homes for fear of COVID-19. To brighten up their day, order food from a local restaurant and have it delivered to a senior citizen in town. This will not only give the senior citizen a boost in morale but it will be supporting local businesses as well. 

There are many ways you can show support to local companies in this time of need. Even small actions can make a big difference for these local businesses.

If you want to make an impression on each individual who drives up to your home, you must enhance your property’s curb appeal. When many homeowners think about enhancing their home’s curb appeal, they think it requires massive renovations and large home improvement projects. This is not true. There are many budget-friendly projects you can complete that will transform your Collingwood home and make it appealing and beautiful. 

Here are four budget-friendly ideas to improve the curb appeal of your property. 

1. Perform Basic Yard Work

Basic landscaping tasks such as mowing and watering your grass are going to make a significant difference and boost the curb appeal of your property. You don’t have to hire a professional landscaper to keep your yard looking its best and you don’t have to spend hours every week either. By simply focusing on basic tasks, your yard will look well maintained and cared for, which will greatly boost our home’s curb appeal. 

2. Paint Your Front Door

Installing new exterior doors can be pricey. These features can cost you several hundred dollars. If your front door is still structurally sound, spend some time updating it. Spend a day painting the front door and then installing new hardware. This will cost you a fraction of the price of a brand new door and you can customize the door as you please. Keep in mind that some front door colours are going to increase your value more than others and will boost your curb appeal.  

3. Plant Fresh Flowers

Adding fresh flowers around your yard is a great way to add pops of colour to your landscaping. You can plant flowers in flower beds or place beautiful planters on pathways or near your front door. As you choose the best flowers for your home, visit a local nursery. At these locations, you will find dozens of flowers that grow best in the area. You also have experts available to help you choose flowers that require the level of care and maintenance that you are willing to provide. 

4. Pressure Wash Your Home’s Exterior

Over time, particularly after the winter season, your home can accumulate a lot of dust, dirt, animal droppings, and other elements. Spend a day or two pressure washing the exterior of your home. This is a great way to remove much of this unwanted dust and dirt and get your house looking like new once again. If you don’t own a pressure washer, there is no need to go out and buy one. You can borrow one from a friend or some local stores may have a machine available to rent. Keep in mind that a pressure washer is also a great tool to help you clear off your driveway, sidewalk, and other pathways around your property. 

There are many ways you can improve the curb appeal of your Collingwood home. By spending just a little time every week working on your home’s exterior, you will notice a difference and your neighbours and friends will too.

As Coronavirus spreads rapidly around the world, government officials are urging citizens to stay away from others and self-isolate. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has recently closed all Canadian borders and has asked all Canadians to stay at home as much as possible.  

For some, this may sound like a dream come true, for others, time spent indoors can quickly become boring. It can be difficult to remain at home and the same tasks can become monotonous and lose their appeal. 

While you could be quarantined inside your Collingwood home for several weeks, you may be searching for new ideas to keep you busy. Here are several that your entire family can enjoy.

Read a book together

Find a book that you and your family members have not recently read. Host a read-a-thon and lay down blankets, build a fort, etc., and read the book together for extended periods of time. 

Play Indoor Mini Golf

Set up a mini-golf course throughout your home. Each family member could set up their own hole and you can play all holes together as a family. 

Have a Paint Night

Find a painting tutorial on YouTube and follow it step-by-step to create a beautiful masterpiece. If you don’t have canvases or the right colour of paints, you may have to improvise so you don’t rush to the nearest store. 

Bake

Take this time to perfect your skills in the kitchen. Bake a new treat several times a week in your home. This is also a great time to teach your children essential cooking and baking skills. 

Declutter

Decluttering can take a lot of work and time. This is a great time to dedicate large chunks of time to the project. Each day, spend 30 minutes or longer decluttering various areas of your home. Make large piles of items you want to throw away, donate, sell, etc. Once it is safe to leave your home, get rid of these items and enjoy a well-organized space. 

Do Your Spring Cleaning

Now is a great time to begin your spring cleaning checklist. Each day in quarantine, focus on one chore that you typically dread when completing your spring cleaning. You could complete tasks such as cleaning all window treatments, wiping down light fixtures, vacuum and washing out floor vents, etc. 

Work on Puzzles

Sit around the table and complete a large puzzle together. This provides a great atmosphere to just sit and talk to one another. Set a goal to see how many puzzles your family can complete in a week or even during the entire quarantine. 

How is your family staying busy while at home? What activities would you add to this list? 

Spring is right around the corner and that means it is time to start working on your annual spring cleaning checklist. This is the perfect time of year to give your home a refreshing touch, declutter, and properly sanitize all surface areas. To help make this process a little more enjoyable, here are several spring cleaning tips you should implement. 

Create a Schedule

Spring cleaning can be overwhelming, particularly if you try to tackle the entire project in one day. Rather, take the time to spread out the smaller tasks into several days or weeks. Sit down and place deadlines on all of the projects you want to complete. Then, schedule time each day to make these tasks happen. By creating a schedule, you will reduce your stress, you will get more done, and you will be able to better see your progress. 

Make Decluttering a Focus

After being cooped up inside during the long winter, it is common for a home to be cluttered. If you don’t have much time or you need a specific task to focus on, spend it decluttering. Go through every inch of your home and organize it. For example, go through the closets, cupboards, drawers, bookshelves, etc. 

Again, if you want to declutter properly and you don’t want to become burned out or overwhelmed by this project, make a schedule and focus on just a small area or a certain task each day. 

Don’t Forget Your Home’s Structure

During your spring cleaning, don’t forget the structure of your home. For example, take the time to wipe down the walls and baseboards throughout each room. You should also give your windows — both inside and out — a little TLC. It is also wise to wipe down and sanitize all doors, door handles, light switches, cabinet and drawer handles, etc. 

Purchase the Cleaners Before You Start

One of the best things you can do to maintain your momentum and to help you find success is to gather all of your cleaning supplies before you begin. Look over your spring cleaning list and determine what specific cleaners, rags, and other equipment that you will need. If there are items in your home, such as certain pieces of furniture, that require specific cleaners, make sure you are aware and have those cleaners on hand and ready to go. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Call in the Professionals

There are some tasks throughout your home where it is best to call in the pros. For example, DIY grout cleaning is typically ineffective and a waste of your time. By calling in a professional grout cleaner, they have the right equipment and training to properly sanitize your grout and restore it to its natural beauty. You don’t have to spend your morning on your hands and knees scrubbing this porous substance with a toothbrush. 

What is your favourite spring cleaning tip? What do you find is most effective as you strive to deep clean your home?