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Rockwood
Park Rockwood Park
is 2,200 acres of serene parkland nestled in the heart of Saint
John. Its lakes, trails and activities offer year-round recreation
and leisure for citizens and visitors alike. What is now
the largest urban park in Canada had very practical beginnings.
It began in 1904 when the first of the "Arches", or Fisher
Lakes, were completed. The lakes were meant to supply Lily Lake
with water during a summer drought. Lily Lake was a source of city
water and, in the days before refrigerators, ice for ice boxes.
The Saint John
Horticultural Society established the Park with its official opening
in 1907. Downing Vaux drew up the original plans for The Park has
been continually maintained and upgraded. In fact, in 1971, the
City received the Vincent Massey Award for excellence in an urban
environment for the redevelopment of the park. Make
the most of a crystal clear winter's day The Park is one of the best places in the city to enjoy winter activities. Saint Johners have a long history of skating on its lakes. Lily Lake was home of the 1926 Speed Skating World Championships, won by Saint John's speed skating legend Charles Gorman. There were 20,000 estimated spectators there that day. Today, Lily
Lake still hosts skaters who lace up to enjoy the pleasure of skating
outdoors. If skating
or cross-country skiing are a little ambitious for you, relax. There's
a two-horse open sleigh ride. Year
'round fun Rockwood Park
is open all year. And each season brings lots of activities. When
the snow disappears, the Park comes alive with summer fun. Swimming
(there are 13 lakes)
Westbound
on Highway 1, take Exit 113. Signs for the Park are posted.
Rockwood Park is just around the corner. Eastbound
on Highway 1, take the City Centre Exit 111, turn right at Union
St., on to Route 100 (City Rd.), over the overpass at Haymarket
Square to the main entrance of the Park. For more information:
Saint John
Visitor and Convention Bureau |
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