Victoria Park

Revitalization of the Park began in the Fall of 2016. Phase 1 included an Entrance Plaza on Hamilton Avenue, Sliding Hill Lookout with Victorian Benches, new Pedestrian Bridge, Meandering Pathway, Off_Leash Dog Park, and illumination of the Sliding Hill. A Bubbler Fountain was also constructed as part of phase 1 in this area of the Park and permanent activation and illumination is anticipated for summer 2022.

This intriguing monument was installed in 2018. Created by bronze sculptor, Morgan MacDonald, it commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War 1 and pays homage not only to the Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who fought and died during the Great War but also to their descendants, who have in many ways carried the burden and pride of their loved one’s service down through the generations. You can listen to the stories told by fourteen of the ‘Faces’ on our new Victoria Park STORYWALK App.

Smiling faces and children’s laughter are key features of the new playground, apply named “Shipwreck Harbour”. The playground is well equipped with the usual attractions and whimsical ships, one of which has been christened “Silvery Mist”.

The park is becoming a great destination for playtime in the Heart of Old St. John’s.

When the call came out for volunteers to fight in the First World War close to a thousand young men from the west end of St. John’s responded, many of them from the Riverhead neighbourhood.

Where once they played as children, they returned as veterans to remember friends and relatives who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The German First World War 10-cm Kanone 17, that was installed in Victoria Park in 1920 to honour these brave men and women, is being assessed for possible restoration.

The history of Victoria Park dates back to the early nineteenth century, when the neighbourhoods were filled with labourers employed by the various industries that had been established in the area. Sharing a border with the Park, businesses included the island’s first commercial bakery, earliest car dealership, and the Parker and Monroe Boot and Shoe Factory that was in operation as early as 1827.

Originally located on Alexander Street, the Parker and Monroe Boot and Shoe Factory was the primary manufacturer of footwear on the island from 1880 until the last retail store closed in 1988. During its prime, the Factory produced over 100,000 pairs of footwear every year.

From filling pools to powering factories, the water that flows through Victoria Park has played a significant role in its history. Known as The Cascades, the river that once carved its way through the park’s grounds, now runs through culverts underground. It starts at Mundy Pond and travels through Bennett’s Creek before joining the Waterford River. Vertical lighting has been installed to mark the original course of the river through the park. You can hear about The Cascades on our Victoria Park STORYWALK App.

Victoria Park has receive a variety of upgrades making it the ideal place for the community to gather. The pool house is used by the Friends of Victoria Park for their summer program for children and for preparing the very popular annual Lantern Festival.

For safer park access, entrances and walkways are being upgraded to make the grounds more accessible for everyone.

Throughout the park, Victorian-style benches and lamps are being installed to improve visibility and comfort for visitors.

After a long day of work, there’s nothing better than escaping to the neighbourhood park with the family. That’s why we’ve added a number of modern, family-friendly features in our plan, including a new nautically-themed playground (coming in summer 2021) and an off-leash dog park. As well, as part of phase 1 in 2017, we added area lighting to the popular sliding hill, allowing for longer days in the park during the winter season.

Our Community Renewal plan includes several features that will pay tribute to the park’s rich history. The plan includes a fountain featuring ten illuminated bubblers (activation in summer 2021), and storyboards that will be placed through the park sharing memories and moments in history with our visitors.

As well, in 2020, thanks to a grant from the RBC Social Impact Foundation, a GPS operated Soundwalk App (Victoria Park STORYWALK) was developed for smartphones that engages visitors with audio descriptions of the Park and some of the Faces on the “100 Portraits” monument. Where their eyes find present-day highlights, their ears will find history, memory, and meaning: the inside stories.

We’re proud to partner with a diverse group of dedicated sponsors. With their generous support, we can renew the cornerstone of the Water Street West community and give future generations a place to safely enjoy for years to come.