rev:text
| - This much-loved and used park has been around since my grandparents' day - and I suspect even longer, actually. Bordered by Sherbrooke and St. Catherine on its north and south, it's in walking distance of the Westmount shops on these streets, and even on Greene and Victoria as well.
This park has everything you'd want in a park, and more: a fountain and kiddie playground equipment? Check. Many elegant benches by stately trees? Check. A small man-made "creek" and larger grassy areas for kids to run around and play, or for picnics? Check. Meandering paths to walk, and an abundance of birds and squirrels to observe? Check!
What makes this park of particular significance (other than its location and longstanding history) is the wealth of resources here: the elegant, old Westmount Library is located on the park's western side, as is its connected, gorgeous Victorian glass greenhouse. On the far south edge of the park by St. Catherine are the tennis courts and Westmount pools and indoor ice skating and hockey rinks (note: a new Westmount sport center is presently under construction, so there is a lot of building going on right now. But this sporting center, according to the plans and pictures I've seen, looks like it it's going to be pretty darn amazing, with a children's pool in addition to a lap pool, and other modern amenities). There might be a new doggie are to the park, too, once all the construction is done.
I like seeing all the kids in the park, and many summer day camps bring their young campers here to play. It's always vibrant, with the sounds of children laughing, and older folks sitting on benches and chatting with friends. Young and old alike visit this park regularly, as they have through many Montreal family's generations. It's everything a park should be.
|