Enjoy The Last Days Of Summer At Park Board Concessions

August 30, 2010 – There may be a bit of a chill in the air in the evenings, but it's still great weather for dining alfresco at our parks and beaches.

What better way to top off a day at the beach or pool than a visit to one of our parks' food concessions?

Concessions are open from late morning to dusk, weather depending, every day from Victoria Day Weekend to Labour Day. These long-time fixtures in our parks continue to provide affordable, portable food for the park visitor - from the old standbys - hot dogs, hamburgers, fish and chips, to new additions such as panini, wraps and sandwiches.

Food concessions in our parks have a history that date back to the beginning of the twentieth century. Most of the existing concessions have been around since the 1950s and early 1960s.

As our parks developed, food services became an integral part of a visit to our parks and beaches. Up until 1932 park concessions were contracted out to private operators, but the Park Board decided to take over the operations in the 1930s and now contracts out to private operators. In the 1940s, the records show that the current standbys - hamburgers and hot dogs - were the most popular concession food.

Not all concessions are open through fall and winter. The concession at English Bay will close after the Labour Day weekend and be replaced by a new bistro and concession next summer. The concession at Second Beach will be closed Oct. 18-29 for renovations. Other concessions do keep core hours during fine weather days. For more information about concession stands, including phone numbers, click here