🌼 What could Manoel Island be? This week we'll present inspiring examples from around the world…Toronto Island: Your Urban Escape with a Victorian Charm🚶♀️🌳 Amidst the urban sprawl, Toronto Island Park offers a car-free environment, fostering a unique sense of community and safety that encourages a slower pace of life and a deeper appreciation for the natural surroundings, all within sight of the urban areas. This space is a sanctuary where culture and nature seamlessly intertwine. ☕️🖼️ The charming Victorian architecture is more than picturesque as it houses quaint cafes, small museums detailing the island's rich history, and the historic Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, whispering tales of Lake Ontario's maritime past. Culture thrives not only in these structures but also in the island's vibrant arts scene, which often hosts outdoor theatre performances and art installations against the stunning city backdrop. 🐦🛶 Nature's embrace is multifaceted: from the meticulously maintained formal gardens vibrant with various flora and faunal species to quieter, natural havens perfect for birdwatchers and contemplation. The tranquil lagoons offer opportunities for kayaking and paddle boating, fostering a direct connection with the water. Centreville Amusement Park, while a nostalgic draw, also represents a cherished piece of Toronto's cultural heritage, beloved by generations.📣 Let the inspiring examples of urban parks serve as a powerful reminder of the invaluable public spaces that can be created and protected, urging a renewed vision for Manoel Island that prioritises accessible green spaces and community well-being over private development. ... See MoreSee Less
📣The 'Putting Residents First' Conference has reached full capacity📣 We're overwhelmed by the response. 🙏 Thank you for your interest and support!🚨 Important: Due to enhanced security protocols for the attendance of Her Excellency, the President of Malta, all attendees MUST present a valid ID card or passport upon entry. 🛂We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you all this Wednesday. ... See MoreSee Less
💭 What could Manoel Island be? This week we'll present inspiring examples from around the world...Margaret Island: Budapest's Car-Free Cultural Oasis🚗🌳 Margaret Island offers a car-free haven, fostering a serene atmosphere that encourages leisurely exploration and a profound connection with its rich landscape, all while the city's energy hums on the bank.🏛️🏞️ This oasis is a sanctuary where cultural heritage and natural beauty gracefully blend together. The remnants of medieval monasteries and churches, scattered throughout the island, offer a historical counterpoint to the surrounding modernity. 🎭⛲ Cultural life flourishes in the open-air theatre, hosting summer performances against a backdrop of ancient stones and rustling leaves, and in the musical fountain, a captivating spectacle of water, light, and sound. 🌺🌹 Nature's embrace is evident in the Japanese Garden with its tranquil ponds and exotic flora, the fragrant Rose Garden displaying a multitude of colours, and the mature trees offering cool shade. 🔥🛀 The thermal springs that bubble beneath the island have given rise to therapeutic baths, a deeply ingrained aspect of Budapest's culture. Margaret Island, with its running tracks, cycling paths, and peaceful meadows, provides a beloved escape for locals and visitors alike, a jewel anchored in the heart of the city.📣 Let the inspiring examples of urban parks serve as a powerful reminder of the invaluable public spaces that can be created and protected, urging a renewed vision for Manoel Island that prioritises accessible green spaces and community well-being over private development. ... See MoreSee Less