Denham Jolly, Janice Williams and
Michael Thompson
A brand new chapter in Toronto’s historical past was written as Scarborough welcomed its latest park. Jolly Manner Park was devoted on Saturday, November 4th,with a grand ceremony at Kennedy and Ellesmere Roads. The park, spanning 1,353 sq. meters, is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of B. Denham Jolly, a distinguished human rights advocate, philanthropist, and broadcasting pioneer.
Jolly Manner Park, nestled throughout the Dorset Park neighborhood at 965 Ellesmere Rd., is a part of a condominium growth venture at 1001 Ellesmere Rd. It guarantees to change into a vibrant group hub, providing facilities resembling a playground, outside health tools, seating with shade, accessible pathways, and luxurious greenery. Town actively sought group involvement within the park’s design, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility.
The park’s namesake, Jamaica-born Brandeis Denham Jolly, expressed his profound gratitude for the popularity. “It’s greater than an honor,” Jolly remarked. “Most individuals are forgotten as soon as they go. However with this recognition—first the road and now the park—my identify will stay on lengthy after I’m
gone.”
In 2017, the Metropolis of Toronto unveiled plans for a brand new subdivision road, Jolly Manner, named after Denham Jolly. His exceptional contributions to town embody possession of the weekly Distinction newspaper, co-founding the Black Enterprise Skilled Affiliation, and launching Canada’s first Black-owned radio station, Toronto’s FLOW 93.5. Jolly’s legacy extends to proudly owning and working a nursing house in Mississauga and penning his autobiography, “Within the Black: My Life,” revealed in 2017.
Scarborough Centre Councillor Michael Thompson expressed his perception that Denham Jolly’s contributions should be celebrated.
“I couldn’t consider a jollier option to develop this attain than to make sure the road and park replicate the deep and various group connection,” Thompson stated.
Jolly, Nicole Jolly-Klym and Janice Williams
“The naming of the park and road after Jolly is a testomony to the group’s appreciation for his contributions.”
Neighborhood residents actively participated in selecting facilities for the park, reflecting the spirit of group engagement. The park provides a various vary of services, together with a playground for youngsters, outside health tools for health fanatics, picnic umbrella tables for gatherings, Muskoka chairs for leisure, and bottle-filling stations to advertise sustainability.
As Jolly Manner Park opens, it stands not solely as an emblem of appreciation for Denham Jolly’s exceptional life but additionally as a testomony to the ability of group collaboration in shaping Toronto’s future. It’s a becoming tribute to a person whose legacy will now stay on within the coronary heart of Scarborough for generations to return.
