Dundas Driving Park

Today's meeting in the Dundas Driving Park was an educational one. Instead of the usual speaker, members were subjected to a quiz about the Driving Park by Shirley Molloy. Scores were very low, and all members were encouraged to brush up on their Dundas history. After the quiz we learned some additional information from members; Art explained how Parkside School had originally been in the Town of Flamborough, that the border with Dundas ran between the school and the Park. Ken Beel gave us a great description of the symbolism of each part of the benches built be the club in memorial of Linda Powers.

For those that missed the test, or got the wrong answers, here is a selection of information provided by Shirley.

The Dundas Driving Park goes back  as far as the mid 1860’s At that time is was one of Canada’s earliest race courses for harness racing. The property had been owned by George Rolph who was owner since 1822. In 1886 the Town of Dundas recognized the need for a municipal park. The property was purchased on Feb. 7, 1887 for $3500.00.  A new bylaw, #388, was established setting care and maintenance for the new park, but the park, however was neglected for years. In 1905 a Citizen’s Committee was established to oversee the care of the park. Over the next ten years some major developments happened: Lawn Bowling, Grandstand/Bandstand and Wading Pool were installed.

In 1909 a log cabin was donated by Col. J.J. Grafton for use as a picnic kitchen. The cabin used to be owned by  George Rolph in this profession of Justice of the Peace. The cabin burned down in 1964.

In 1911 the famous park gates were put in place. This quote was made by the  of the day Mayor W.H.Moss (1907-08) “The finest park of any small town in this fair Domain”. In 1915 the park came under the care of the provisions of the Public Park Act  and a Board of Management had to be appointed by the Town. Thus the Citizen’s Committee was disbanded. 

1949 was eventful, a tennis court was added and a fire destroyed the grandstand. In 1953 the band shell was erected thanks to an anonymous donor. Last but not least, in 2008 the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club added a major  feature to the park – the Outdoor Skating Rink.

Pictured below is "Art in the Park" - member Art Samson by the Rotary Clock