Memorial Park

Memorial Park, previously a sand and gravel quarry, was created to be actively used by the community in memorial to those who served in the Second World War. In 1946 a group of community minded citizens got together to develop a memorial park. This group used their own money to purchase 10 acres at the north end of the existing park, bordering Parkside Drive, for $1,275. The property was owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Anderson and was a sand pit but as Mrs. Anderson was in favour of the development of the park, she sold the land at less than the appraised value.

The group then formed the Waterdown and Community Memorial Park Committee which was comprised of representatives of the Waterdown Women’s Institute, the Waterdown Board of Trade, and the Waterdown Amateur Athletic Association, all of which had substantial influence.

Between 1946 and 1949 the funds raised were enough to grade the property, seed it, install bleachers and floodlights and develop the origi-nal ball diamond, as well as pay back the original investors for the purchase of the property. Use of heavy equipment was donated, the Women’s Institute purchased the bleachers, and materials and seed were heavily discounted by the suppliers.

In 1949 arrangements were made to purchase the remaining southerly portion of the land from Mrs. Anderson, for $2,000. The local Agricultural Society (Fall Fair Board) donated $300 towards this purchase, as well as $700 for grading and levelling. Mr. John Connon of Connon Nurseries was renting this land from Mrs. Anderson and he agreed to vacate the land and remove all of his shrubs and bulbs before May 1, 1950.

On 18 August 1949 the Waterdown Review re-ported that the park was officially dedicated as a memorial to the more than one hundred residents from the village and township who has served in W.W.II and to the “Memory of the Fallen’, in particular the eight young men from the area who had died overseas.

Waterdown Memorial Park is an integral part of the community and provides a family friendly green space in the heart of the town.