The historic site of Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (Leaside Gardens) was opened in 1951.

The land was donated by the Lea Family of Leaside.

The East York Historical Society provided a plaque stating: "An octagonal brick farm house built in 1851-1854 by William Lea (1814-1893) a York County Councillor, a magistrate, amateur poet and nature lover.  In 1873, it housed the newly established post-office Leaside Junction and in 1884, the name Leaside was given to the  Pacific Railway Station built nearby.  In 1912, the York Land Company which had considerable property in the area surveyed a town site, appropriately called Leaside.  Incorporated in 1913, the Town of Leaside became part of the Borough of East York in 1967."

             LEASIDE MEMORIAL COMMUNITY GARDENS

This recreation facility was named in honour of the World War II veterans.  The plaque mounted outside the facility reads: "In memory of the men of the Town of Leaside who gave their lives for their country in the second World War - 1939-1945.

Leaside Gardens is the home for the beginning of the careers of National Hockey League (NHL) super stars such as Peter Mahovlich Jr., Paul Gardner, Tom Edur and Terry Caffery. 

Their retired sweaters hang here in the arena.  The skate sharpener and Zamboni driver for

Leaside Gardens was the late Peter Mahovlich Sr.  A plaque hanging by the arena office reads: Worked this arena and served our community for over twenty-four years - a friend and helper to the boys and girls (of all ages) active in this arena.  Every ice rink should be

blessed with such a warm spirit."  Born in Yugoslavia, July 14, 1906, he died in East York on

June 13, 1981."

Another Leaside hero, Dr. Tom Pashby

founder of the Pashby Foundation

acknowledged world wide for his work in

sports injuries.  Specializing in the eyes,

neck and back.  Doc was dedicated to

the health and safety of the children in

our facility.  Loved, well respected and

greatly missed by all.