There are many parks in Toronto that make for good places to meet people, even if our society has become less and less tolerant of random interactions with strangers. If you're feeling outgoing and craving some social interaction, features like community ovens, dog bowls, and public gardens make some parks ideal places to start up new friendships.

Here are my picks for the top parks to meet people in Toronto.

Trinity Bellwoods Park
Ah, the west-end classic. This large park might be the most friendly to meeting new people in the entire city. On a weekend afternoon, you're bound to cross paths with a ton of picnickers, ball- or frisbee-throwers in search of an extra person, musicians, dog walkers and other friendly folk who are lounging the day away.

Dufferin Grove
It's all about the pizza. Well, that's not entirely true, but Dufferin Grove's community bake oven brings people together through its Friday night suppers and pizza nights on Wednesday and Sundays throughout the summer. The drop-in community garden also spurs interaction as everyone is welcome to tend its care. Once you've made friends, have a campfire together.

High Park
Since this is a more touristy spot, chances are if you look like you know where you're going you'll be approached by a few lost newcomers. Failing that, there are lots of areas in this green space that invite friendly interaction, from parents chatting at the adventure playground to collective cherry tree gawking. The patio at Grenadier restaurant is also a great place to chat.

Sherbourne Common
Located right beside George Brown's Waterfront campus, there's a steady parade of students here as well as those out to enjoy the lake at Corus Quay, which brings lots of people to the area. The mood is relaxed and open at this waterfront haven. Grab a spot on the grass just east of the Corus Quay building between the splash pad and the lake.

Stanley Park
As one of the best dog parks in the city, Stanley Park makes for an excellent place to chat up fellow dog owners. Let your canine friends break the ice -- it's the perfect segue into human conversation.

What did I miss? Leave your suggestions in the comment section below. Photo by Kim Yokoto of Trinity Bellwoods in the blogTO Flickr pool.