By Hannah Manning and Sandra Milton
Over the last year, we’ve seen more than ever how important our neighbourhood parks are. Lowertown residents are fortunate to have so many choices, whether it’s Bordeleau Park on the banks of the Rideau River, heritage-designated Macdonald Gardens, dual-purpose Cathcart Square, or one of many others.
Since August 2020, a coalition of residents has been meeting as Friends of Lowertown Parks. Together, we share a passion and interest in the care and maintenance of our parks. The coalition currently includes residents actively involved as volunteers through Friends of Bingham Park, Bordeleau Park, Cathcart Square, Cumberland Park, Jules Morin Park, King Edward Park, Linear Park, Macdonald Gardens Park, Raphael Brunet Park and Rose Park.
We are aware of the need to foster and develop an appreciation and understanding of the uniqueness of each park while identifying common issues that can be addressed in cooperation with the City. Our goal in forming the coalition was to have a voice, and to understand the needs of each park and how best to ask for information.
Goals of The Friends of Lowertown Parks
The Friends are dedicated to promoting the health of our parks and to supporting the City of Ottawa in keeping the parks accessible and safe for all residents, and have a number of goals:
- Increase awareness of The Friends mandate and projects;
- Develop The Friends relationship with the surrounding Lowertown communities and partners;
- Maintain a healthy partnership with City of Ottawa and parks programs and the National Capital Commission;
- Advocate for protection and maintenance of healthy parks;
- Provide awareness of the impacts of human activities in the park and changes in attitude and actions that can mitigate these impacts; and
- Exchange information about best practices.
To achieve these goals, we have been meeting with City of Ottawa staff, the National Capital Commission, Councillor Fleury’s office and other key stakeholders. Discussions have covered safety in our parks, beautification efforts, input on the City’s Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan, and more.
While the “Friends Of” initiative is old news to some parks, keep an eye out for new signs to be posted as we formally adopt and commit to the maintenance of our local parks. This spring Friends of Lowertown Parks will be hosting park cleanups as part of the Cleaning the Capital initiative. All are welcome to join in and help make our parks clean and safe for all to enjoy.
Successes so far
Bingham Park: The outdoor rink at Bingham Park was well used this winter, and Friends of Bingham Park are continuing to work with Councillor Fleury’s office toward the revitalization of the park.
Bordeleau Park: This spring, a “first train to Bytown” pop-up informed passersby of the history behind the stone pillars at the edge of the park and in the Rideau River, all that remain of the first rail line to reach Bytown. The spring cleanup is scheduled for May 8 between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. in both Bordeleau and King Edward parks, including shoreline cleanup.
Cumberland Park: As soon as the snow melts, Friends of Cumberland Park will be starting cleanup. In past years, almost 20 bags of compost were gathered during the first roundup! This winter, the park lost a mature tree, which will hopefully be replaced.
Macdonald Gardens: The Macdonald Gardens Park, which has a rich history, received heritage designation in 2017. The community advocates for the preservation and restoration of the Park and discussions with the City on a Heritage Conservation Plan are ongoing. The Friends of the Park organizes biannual cleanups. The spring cleanup this year is scheduled for May 1, between 10 a.m. and noon, followed by a planting day later in May, weather permitting.
Raphael Brunet Park: A garbage can was installed this winter, helping to reduce the amount of garbage in the bus shelter and the park. A park cleanup is planned for May 1 between 10 and 11 a.m. and will be followed with beautification efforts later in the spring.