Springbank Park

Springbank Park is a 140-hectare (300 acre) park located along a stretch of the Thames River in London, Ontario, Canada. As the largest park in London, it contains 30 km (19 miles) of trails and is home to Storybook Gardens, a family attraction open year round.

History

Springbank Park was originally developed around the site of a waterworks facility in the late 1800s. Alderman James Egan suggested the nearby Hungerford Hill, now commonly known as "Reservoir Hill". In the years following the creation of the waterworks the city began to purchase more land in the surrounding area and the spot became a resort serviced by steamers to and from London via the Thames River.

On May 24, 1881 the steamer "Victoria" capsized killing 182 people which instantly cut steamer travel along the Thames and scaled back the popularity of the waterworks grounds. Afterwards the grounds could still be reached by carriage and eventually horse drawn bus but interest would not recover for years.

During the year 1896 the London Street Railway constructed and began service of a street car system to take people to and from the Springbank Park in record amounts.

In the years to follow the additions to the Park would include tennis and bowling lawns, zoo, campground, amusement park and a dance hall all before 1925.

As time passed on London grew around the park; about 1920 a miniature train was added as an attraction, and as of May 2008 it still existed, although relocated and replaced.

torybook Gardens

Storybook Gardens opened in 1958. This popular attraction included Harbour Seals and various other animals tied in with themes from children's nursery rhymes and stories. On June 16, 1958, an international incident began when "Slippery the sea lion" escaped from a pool into the nearby Thames River. Ten days later, the sea lion was captured, 400 km away in Toledo, Ohio, which announced it would keep Slippery since he was caught in international waters. After several days on display to record-breaking crowds, the Americans returned Slippery. The mayor of London proclaimed "Slippery Day" and thousands lined the streets to see Slippery's return. Years later, the custody battle was revealed to be a publicity stunt. ["The Beaver" June-July 2006 (p. 13)]

The park also includes a Carousel, a miniature train (which are both placed just outside the park), climbing facilities and slides which have been upgraded throughout the years. In 2003 Storybook Gardens underwent a major refurbishment to its present state and it now open year round with skating in the winter. In 2008 the park also put in a 40 foot tall Ferris wheel, and also had major repairs on the train and track.

Present day

At present Springbank Park is the largest park in London, with trails accommodating biking or walking. As well there are climbers, swings, a wading pool, picnic areas and soccer fields. With paths leading to adjoining parks one can travel 10 km from Byron to downtown London without dealing with traffic.

References

*cite book | author=Pat Morden | title=Putting Down Roots | publisher =Stonehouse Publications | year=1988 | id=0-919549-17-9
* [http://www.disaster-management.net/ship_acc.htm Ship Accidents]

See also

* London, Ontario

External links

* [http://www.londonhistory.org/stories.htm Stories in London's History]
* [http://www.storybook.london.ca/ Storybook Gardens]
* [http://londonontario.wikicities.com/wiki/Main_Page London, Ontario Wikicity]