Westmount Park Explained

Westmount Park
Parc Westmount
Map:Canada Montreal
Location:Westmount, Quebec, Canada
Coords:45.4812°N -73.5973°W
Area:[1]
Operator:City of Westmount
Publictransit: STM Bus: 63, 90, 24, 104, 138, 356

Westmount Park (French: Parc Westmount) is a public park in Westmount, Quebec, Canada. It is located on Sherbrooke Street West.

History

In 1892, the city of Westmount purchased of land for a park in order to preserve its rustic appearance. A few years later, the park was expanded its boundaries from Sherbrooke Street to Western Avenue (today De Maisonneuve Boulevard). Since its expansion, it has occupied of land.

In 1899, Quebec's first public library (Victoria Hall) was built in the park.

In 1912, J. Howard Manning landscaped the park on behalf of the city. The park's design was inspired by the work of Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect of Mount Royal. The park was designed around existing natural streams, ravines and wooded areas.

Flowerbeds were planted and a bandstand was constructed. In 1964, the park was renovated by the firm McFadzean & Everly. Lawns were decorated, trees were cut and the stream that crosses the park was redeveloped.

Features

The park has a playground, flower beds, two soccer fields, a Canadian football field, and several tennis courts (both hardcourts and clay courts). A stream winds through the middle of the park and is lined by trees and benches.

The Westmount Arena and municipal pool are located in the southwest corner of the park, while the Westmount Public Library and Victoria Hall are located in the northwest corner.

The park also seasonally features a large floral clock, installed in 1926, measuring six meters in diameter and composed of more than 7,000 ornamental plants.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Westmount Park. City of Westmount. 20 May 2013.