Celebrate Lakeside Park Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017. It’s a Lakeside Park celebration and everyone is invited.
The official opening of the revitalized Lakeside Park will take place Thursday, Aug. 31 at noon. The event is open to everyone and will include giveaways, games, informative displays and free rides on the Lakeside Park Carousel, courtesy of the Friends of the Carousel, plus remarks from Mayor Walter Sendzik, MP Chris Bittle, Regional Chair Al Caslin, and the Rick Hansen Foundation.
“Lakeside Park has always been a special place for families and friends to enjoy our beautiful waterfront,” said Mayor Sendzik. “Council has made a commitment to invest in our parks and waterfront. This significant development has created an inclusive, accessible new park experience for more generations to enjoy.”
Upgrades to Lakeside Park include accessible washrooms, pavilion and playground and enhanced electrical and lighting systems, while new features include the Rotary Bandshell and a sun shelter. All enhancements were designed and installed with accessibility in mind to ensure the park can be enjoyed by everyone.
“It’s amazing to see the transformation that has taken place at Lakeside Park,” said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines. “From the addition of the Rotary Bandshell and the revitalization of the pavilion, along with much needed accessibility upgrades, this crown jewel of our local park system is well placed for years of continued enjoyment.”
Work in Lakeside Park started December 2016 and was on track to wrap up in the spring of 2017 before high water levels in Lake Ontario delayed construction.
“Regional Council is dedicated to supporting public parks and recreation spaces that highlight Niagara’s unique waterfront areas,” said Regional Chair Caslin. “In January 2017, Regional Council created a $10-million Regional Waterfront Investment Program to improve access and sustainable investments in Niagara’s waterfronts. Our investment of $615,000 for new amenities and upgrades to Lakeside Park will significantly improve this space for St. Catharines and Niagara residents to enjoy for years to come.”
The City invested $1.77 million for the rejuvenation of Lakeside Park; the Government of Canada contributed up to $150,000 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario); and the Niagara Region contributed up to $615,000 through its Waterfront Investment Program. Work at Lakeside Park was also made possible by the Rick Hansen Foundation Access4All Canada 150 Signature Project fund and the Government of Canada, with $20,000 supporting the new beach sun shelter and $10,000 for the Aug. 31 community celebration. The Rotary Club of St. Catharines previously invested $75,000 for the naming rights of the new Rotary Bandshell.
*old photo
