| Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park | |
| Photo Width: | 300 |
| Location: | 9050 Bramalea Road, Brampton, Ontario, Canada |
| Coords: | 43.7247°N -79.7181°W |
Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park, colloquially known as Chinguacousy Park, is a large 100acres park[1] in the Bramalea section of Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It is bounded by Queen Street East on the southeast, Bramalea Road on the northeast, and Central Park Drive on the north and west sides. Terry Fox Stadium (Brampton) in the north of the park, sometimes called Terry Fox Track and Field Stadium, has a track and field oval surrounding an artificial turf field with Canadian Football markings and stands for about 1000 spectators. It is used for various Canadian football and soccer matches as well as track and field competitions.
Chinguacousy is said to mean "Young Pine River".[2] The park is named for Donald M. Gordon, who helped form the parks and recreation programs in Brampton, as well as Chippewa Chief Shinguacose ( 1858).[3]
In 1970, the City of Brampton bought the 100acres farm from the last owners (surveyed in 1820s by Richard Bristol and eventually acquired by the Crawfords whom expanded their holdings from 1834 to 1870s and sold by the Crawfords in 1946),[4] with the intention of building a large park,[5] paying for land and facilities from the proceeds of subdivision agreements.[6]
In 2014, the federal, provincial and municipal government each agreed to contribute $8.2 million towards the park, to be used for renovations and new construction.
The park's sport facilities include a curling facility, winterized tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, boating, skiing and track-and-field facilities. They also offer mini-putt golf, formal gardens and greenhouse, pedal boats, pony rides, petting zoo and barn,[7] splash pad and children's playground, and a BMX/skateboard park. In winter 2017, a 2000m2 canal-style skating trail opened. It converts to a reflective fountain in summer.[8]
Mount Chinguacousy is a small 1ha alpine skiing and snowboarding hill located in the park, near the intersection of Bramalea Road and Central Park Drive. It features a magic carpet ski lift, beginner slopes on either side of the lift and a chalet and rental shop at the base of the hill. It is about high, with its longest run 188m (617feet). It has snow-making facilities and night skiing, and is the only ski hill in Brampton.[9] [10] The hill is man-made, but contrary to popular belief, is not a former landfill site, but is constructed from the excavations for basements of many early Bramalea houses.[11]
There are a variety of summer camps offered for children and teens at this park. They are offered through Brampton Parks and Recreation Department.[12] The park is also host to annual carnivals. City of Brampton hosts a Tough Run 5km (03miles) adventure race every September.[13] The park also hosts outdoor movie nights during the summer.[13]
In March 2023 the City of Brampton announced that the Brampton Library's Chinguacousy Branch would be evicted from the Brampton Civic Centre and moved to the Ski Chalet at Chinguacousy Park. This resulted in a major reduction of library floor space as well as a loss of recreation space in the park. The decision was met with much public outcry and critism however the City has remained firm on its decision. The Ski Chalet was closed to the public for the renovations in April 2023.[14] The library system has indicated the site is temporary and will work with city to find a permanent and larger facility to house branch’s full collections and services.