Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.

Cliff Lumsdon Park

Photos by Alan L Brown - July 2007

A Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto plaque can be seen atop a slightly leaning post in the park at the foot of 5th Street south of Lake Shore Blvd West. Here's what it says:

Cliff Lumsdon was born April 13, 1931. By the age of eighteen, he had earned international acclaim for long distance swimming, winning the first of his four World Championships. Seven years later, he became the first swimmer to cross the icy waters of the Strait of Juan De Fuca from Victoria, British Columbia to Port Angeles, Washington. In 1949, he was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as the country's outstanding athlete and, in 1976, was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Lumsdon was inducted into the Order of Canada in 1982. Throughout his long career, Lumsdon received most of his swimming instruction from the legendary coach Gus Ryder. Lumsdon later went on to coach his daughter, Kim Lumsdon, who successfully crossed Lake Ontario on August 27, 1976. On March 1, 1988, the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto dedicated this park in recognition of Cliff Lumsdon's many outstanding achievements and his lifelong contribution to the community. He passed away August 31, 1991.

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: 43.595630 -79.500718

More Parks and Recreation pages

More Etobicoke pages

Here are the comments for this page.

(none yet)

Here's where you can write a comment for this page.

Note: If you wish to ask me a question, please use the email link in the menu.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours
(usually much sooner).