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Windsor has gained an international reputation for its abundance of beautiful
parkland. Visitors familiar with our industrial economy are frequently surprised by the
clean and green atmosphere of "Canada's Automotive Capital". Miles of riverfront
and acres of inland parks afford spectacular views and relaxing strolls.
www.citywindsor.ca
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Dieppe Gardens, in Downtown Windsor, offers a stunning view of the Detroit
skyline. The
gardens are named in memory of the many members of the Essex Scottish Regiment killed
during the landing in Dieppe, France, in 1942. It's a great place to people watch and,
because Windsor's downtown is only a few steps away, you can easily end your Dieppe
Gardens visit at any of the refreshing nearby restaurants.
Ambassador & Assumption Parks
are really an extension of Dieppe Gardens, and run along the riverbank to the Ambassador
Bridge. An excellent area from which to see and photograph the bridge and the Detroit
skyline, and a perfect spot for watching boats at close range -- everything from luxurious
pleasure craft to oceangoing freighters!
Along the way,
Odette Sculpture Park,
invites you to stroll along the riverfront and experience its collection of works,
unified by their differences and the richness of their multi-textured variety.
The Canadian Vietnam War Memorial is also located at Assumption Park. Funded and
constructed by the Michigan Association of Concerned Veterans, this memorial honours
Canadians who served in Vietnam (in the U.S. Military). The granite contains the
names of over 100 Canadians who died in the conflict.
Heading east from
downtown Windsor, along the riverfront, Bert Weeks Memorial Gardens, named in honour of the former mayor, features an
elaborate fountain with a reflecting pool.
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Coventry Gardens & the Peace Fountain are located several
miles East of our Downtown Windsor. The spectacular Peace Fountain sits in a specially
landscaped alcove on the Detroit River, and operates from end-May through mid-October.
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This saucer-shaped fountain
creates a unique water and coloured light display in computer programmed patterns, which
change every 24 minutes. The 67 nozzles shoot 15,000 gallons of water per minute 70 feet
into the air. A beautiful sight, especially when lit in the evening! (The manicured gardens here are among the
most lovely in the area.
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Jackson
Park combines lovely formal gardens and the memorial to World War
II veterans.
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Bring your
camera and start with our sunken gardens and reflecting pool.
The adjoining garden area has been redesigned and is now home to
replicas of a Hurricane and Spitfire. These classic airplanes
are accompanied by a monument to World War II veterans. (Many will
recall the Lancaster which stood in the park for many years - pictured
left -, and has been moved to save it from deterioration.) In an
adjacent park, there are barbeque pits and play areas for the kids.
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To book any Windsor parks or their facilities, contact:
Parks
& Forestry Services - City of Windsor
2450 McDougall
Windsor, ON N8X 3N6
Telephone: (519) 253-2300 or 1-888-519-3333
E-mail: parkrec@city.windsor.on.ca
ESSEX COUNTY:
Amherstburg (519)
736-0012
www.amherstburg.ca
Amherstburg is an historic waterfront town with significant greenspace and a sense of community. As you drive south from Windsor along the Detroit River you will pass K. Walter Ranta Marina & Park, a popular boat launch. The jewel of Amherstburg is the King’s Navy Yard
Park, fronting on the Detroit River with riverfront walkways, formal sculpted gardens and a busy riverfront. Fort Malden – a national historic site – the Park House and Gibson Gallery are but a few of the heritage properties worth exploring.
A place for residents and visitors, the town boasts many parks, recreational facilities and passive recreational areas. Take in the rhododendron displays at Seagram Park and Navy Yard Park, bird watch at Holiday Beach and Big
Creek, or boat watch and stroll along the riverfront after a delicious visit to the ice cream parlour!
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Essex &
Harrow (519) 776-7336
www.townofessex.on.ca
The Town of Essex,
situated on the north shore of Lake Erie, is a unique mix of urban and
rural Essex County. Boasting numerous municipal parks and wide open
spaces as well as historic conservation areas, Essex is home to the
Colchester Harbour, which includes a public beach, picnic area and
children's playground as well as a public marina and restaurant. The
Harrow C.S. Community Centre offers outdoor sports facilities, tennis
courts, children's playground, an arena and walking trails. The
community of Essex offers many neighbourhood and community parks
including Sadlers Nature Park and Essex Memorial Park, which has outdoor
sports, facilities, and an arena.
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Kingsville (519)
733-2305
www.town.kingsville.on.ca
The town's Lakeside Park is a rolling lakefront park boasting Victorian-style gardens (host to the annual Fantasy of Lights in December). Cedar Beach Municipal Park offers a public boat ramp, municipal marina and beach. To the north, Cottam's picturesque Lion's Park makes a great picnic stop complete with a gazebo and duck pond.
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Lakeshore (519)
728-2700, Ext.247
www.lakeshore.ca
With a total of 23 parks to choose from, Lakeshore has various amenities to enjoy such as playgrounds, picnic areas, water splashpad, baseball diamonds and a huge soccer park. Belle River Optimist Park features an accessible playground for all children and is home to the annual BIA Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. The Belle River Marina and adjacent Lakeview Park will appeal to the waterfront crowd with public beach area and beach volleyball, BBQ’s throughout the park, thousands of feet of walking/biking trails, accessible playground and a large water splashpad.
The downtown core is just a few minutes away and has all the amenities to round out your trip: interesting shops, museums close by, restaurants and a B&B. You can also enjoy a relaxing ride in the countryside, conservation areas and various private marinas along the north shore of Lakeshore. Come play in Lakeshore!
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Lasalle (519)
969-7770, Ext.277
www.town.lasalle.on.ca
Begin at Orford Street (off Malden Road) and walk or run, ride a bike, roller blade, skateboard, or travel in a wheelchair along the asphalt trails. Enjoy the scenery including natural areas and landscaped flowerbeds. Continue through Vince Marcotte Park, over the "swing bridge" and along Turkey Creek. Catch the asphalt trail on Malden Road and Normandy Street and find yourself in the serene forest environment leading into Brunet Park. Open space surrounded by trees invite picnics, playing and relaxing. For added enjoyment, travel the woodchip trail through the natural surroundings of Brunet Park.
Located on Front Road, Gil Maure Park and Front Road Park offer parkland with playground equipment, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool operational in the summer months, and a boat ramp to launch you into the Detroit River. Take a walk along the waterfront through the Millennium Gardens and view the Millennium Garden bricks that are on display. With more than 20 parks, get active in LaSalle!
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Leamington (519)
322-2337
www.leamington.ca
Seacliff Park, a lovely shore-side park on Lake Erie, is home to the annual Tomato Festival. Mersea Park is also a popular spot. Stroll the beautifully landscaped grounds at the first-class Leamington Marina, and enjoy a picnic lunch while the kids explore the playground area. Sit and enjoy the waterfront with its many activities. The Municipal Recreation Department also invites visitors to take advantage of day passes for activities including swimming, skating, weight room fitness and indoor track at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex.
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Tecumseh (519)
735-4756
www.tecumseh.ca
Visit Lacasse Park, home of the Tecumseh Corn Festival. Lacasse Park also features the Tecumseh Leisure Outdoor Pool, which boasts a 134-foot waterslide, children’s splash pad, tot pool and lap pool. Book one of the park’s pavilions for family or corporate picnics. Enjoy a picturesque setting while watching the little ones enjoy endless hours of fun at Lacasse Park’s boundary-free playground where all children can play, regardless of their abilities. The Town of Tecumseh proudly offers many other community and neighbourhood parks for your enjoyment. The Recreation Services Department will be happy to provide information on swimming, learn-to-skate, hockey programs, room bookings and much more.
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