Imagine a green oasis amidst the urban landscape. That’s Westmount Park. It stands as a testament to community, recreation, and thoughtful design.
Westmount Park is not just a park. It is a landmark for the city. Its story began in 1892. The city identified a need for a central park. Initially, the land was intended for a Corporation Yard. But visionaries saw its potential as a green space.
Six years later, Westmount Park grew. Additional land was purchased. It stretched from Sherbrooke Street to de Maisonneuve Boulevard. The boundaries extended from Melville Avenue to Lansdowne Avenue. Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee brought unexpected funds. This allowed the construction of Victoria Hall and the park’s revamping. It was mostly a wooded area back then.
In 1912, M.J. Howard Manning landscaped Westmount Park. He drew inspiration from Frederick Law Olmsted. Olmsted was the landscape architect behind Mount Royal Park and Central Park in New York. Manning followed the natural streams, ravines, and wooded areas. Footpaths, fountains, ponds, and borders took on a more formal arrangement in the 1920s. This scheme resembles what you see today.
Today, Westmount Park spans 26 acres. It features a wading pool and an extensive playground. Beautiful floral plantings add color. Three baseball diamonds and a playing field offer space for sports. Clay and hard-surface tennis courts are also available. A serpentine waterway flows gently. Aged willows and shady benches line its banks.
The Westmount Recreation Centre is located at the southwest corner. It includes two underground ice rinks, activity rooms, and the municipal swimming pool. The Public Library and Victoria Hall Community Centre are in the northwest.
Westmount Park has not always been universally loved. Some residents feel it has been neglected. They point to asphalt patches on brick walkways and poorly maintained trees. Benches need repair and the lagoon leaks. Patches of lawn are denuded of grass. The wading pool lacks universal accessibility.
Despite these concerns, Westmount Park remains a cherished space. It reflects the vision of early councillors. They possessed business acumen and foresight. They acquired property for the enjoyment of residents. They acted as custodians, maintaining the park for future generations.
In July 1896, Mayor Fred W. Evans officially opened the park. The Union Jack was raised, and fireworks lit up the sky. He named it Westmount Park for all residents to enjoy.
The park has seen its share of history. In 1897, cannons were fired to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Tablets were installed near the cannons to commemorate the event. The Westmount Public Hall opened in 1899. It provided a gymnasium and meeting rooms.
Landscape architect Frederic Olmstead praised the park’s design in 1899. He stated that the available space could not have been used more effectively. The Town possesses a public recreation ground of which it may be justly proud.
Westmount Park even had a zoological garden for a time. It housed two bears and seven foxes. However, the City’s Sanitary Inspector eventually condemned the animal cages.
Westmount Park is more than just a park. It’s a place where memories are made. It is a place where community thrives. It is a place where nature and recreation blend seamlessly. Its history is rich. Its future is bright. It stands ready to welcome all who seek its beauty and tranquility.