Sakura Watch April 30, 2020 - High Park is closed, the BloomCam is Live, and more
Sakura Watch April 30, 2020 - High Park is closed, the BloomCam is Live, and more are shared in today’s update.
As of April 30, 2020, the City of Toronto has now officially closed High Park to all visitors. As noted on their website, the City’s announcement reads:
Many people walk or cycle in High Park every day, so a partial closure of the park isn’t possible given the number of cherry blossom trees throughout the park and the size and layout of the park itself. High Park is already closed to vehicles.
Please do not visit High Park during the closure.
Park reopening dates will be announced when the bloom period concludes. Blooms are weather-dependent.
Fences have been put up around the park to dissuade visitors. Anyone caught ignoring the closure, will face getting ticketed and fined a hefty $1,000!
But cherry blossom enthusiasts will be delighted to know the City has launched their 24-hour BloomCam. Situated in the Cherry Hill area of High Park, the YouTube live stream shows a continuous view of trees with Grenadier Pond in the distance. Once in bloom, this area will be one of the best ways to view the beautiful blossoms virtually.
Watch the YouTube update below:
Live stream events
Other live virtual events are also being planned and will be announced in the days ahead as we get closer to full bloom. The Toronto.ca website outlines 30-minute live-stream events such as:
Indigenous Knowledge Keeper André Morrisseau will recognize the traditional territories of the Indigenous Peoples through a live Land Acknowledgement
Enjoy a virtual walk through the blossoming trees
Experts from the High Park Nature Centre will guide viewers through nature and history walks focusing on Toronto’s cherry blossom trees
For my part, I will be releasing my first virtual tour that looks back to my first year of tracking the blossoms in 2012, so watch for that announcement later today!
2020 Peak Bloom Prediction
Overall, the timing is perfect, as I predict this weekend’s warmer weather will boost the peak bloom to start May 3 and continue through to May 9. Of course no one is allowed to see the trees in person this year, so please remember, do your part to stay home and safely watch the cherry blossoms bloom online.
Sharing Photos
I’ll also be sharing more beautiful photos, like the ones shown below, shot April 29, by Michelle of HN Photography. She was lucky enough to capture the blooming forsythia as well as some of the first open blossoms in High Park. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Photo gallery published with permission by: Michelle | HN Photography
My thoughts this year
It’s during these unprecedented times, that I’m reminded how we all need to find symbols of hope. For me, the cherry blossoms have always symbolized the hope of finding beauty in new beginnings. Even though we can’t view the blossoms in person, seeing them in bloom, even if only virtually, should remind us all that some things will go on and a fresh start is just around the corner. Just as we have patiently waited for the trees to bloom, we can use the same lessons of patience to help us all get through this together.
For more COVID-19 information
Every day we're seeing just how highly contagious this virus is and how it can infect both young and old alike. Even if you don't have the symptoms, you may still be carrying it and spreading it to your family and friends. Your best and only right option is to listen to the advice from our medical professionals.
City of Toronto - https://www.toronto.ca/COVID-19/
Health Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
Remember to follow the advice from the health experts. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, stay home (if you can), and if you absolutely need to go out in public, practice Social Distancing by keeping at least 2 meters or 6 feet apart from others.
Thank you all for visiting the site. Be Safe. Watch for some other updates soon.