Pinafore Park
95 Elm Street, St. Thomas, ON, N5R 1H7


Thought to be named after a popular Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, Pinafore Park was first developed by the St. Thomas Street Railway Company in the later years of the 19th century. It was their hope that a recreational feature would encourage passenger traffic on the newly electrified railway.

Many changes have taken place since 1863, yet Pinafore Park still remains a unique spot for recreation and pleasure with something to offer everyone. Century old pavilions nestled among towering trees provide an ideal setting for family picnics. The beautiful flower displays created each year are the product of the hard work of our parks crews.

Pinafore Park is oriented to the active outdoor enthusiast with hiking and cross-country ski trails, tennis courts and its first-class ball stadium, Emslie Field. In addition to its beauty and accessible layout, Pinafore boasts a small lake, the Rotary Splashpad, accessible playground equipment and the magnificent Morris F. Jones Memorial Bandshell for the music lover.

Within Pinafore Park, there are 6 park pavilions that can be rented for family reunions, birthday parties, staff gatherings, wedding receptions and more! Each pavilion is unique, but all offer access to water and hydro. To book one of these facilities please call 519-633-7112.

Washrooms
Washrooms, hydro and water are available from Victoria Day weekend in May to Labour Day weekend in September (weather permitting) 8am - 8pm.

The two accessible washrooms are open daily 8am - 4pm year round. 
Memory Garden

Memory Garden

The Memory Garden is a beautiful area located at the front entrance of the park where loved ones, friends and family are recognized and remembered with a brass leaf plaque located on one of the monumental trees. Please call the Parks, Recreation and Property Management Department at 519-633-7112 if you are interested in purchasing a leaf or visit us at the Administration Office located inside the Joe Thornton Community Centre, 75 Caso Crossing, St. Thomas.

Download the Memory Leaf Application Form - here. 

We are currently filling tree #8 (beside tree 3, facing inward towards the park)

NOTE each leaf consists of 3 lines (approximately 50 characters): Line 1 15 characters, line 2 20 characters, line 3 15 characters. If you are a few characters over each line that is ok, if there are any issues you will be contacted before the leaf is engraved.

Cost: $350.00 includes leaf, engraving and installation.  We will be holding the cost for 2025, but due to increasing costs we are no longer offering a tax receipt.

Effective January 1, 2024 - To ensure adhesive specifications are followed, leaf installations will not occur between November - May. Once your leaf has been installed you will be contacted by email.

Waterfall

Music in the Park

Join us at the Morris F Jones Memorial Bandshell each Sunday 6 pm for Music in the Park offered throughout June, July, and August. It's a lovely, relaxing way to spend your Sunday evenings in glorious Pinafore Park. Showcasing local musical talent each week. All concerts 2 hours in length unless otherwise stated. Performers will be collecting donations for their performances.

June 15  6 pm • Dennis & Friends (country & various)

June 22  6 pm •  Stevie Sliders (brass band)

June 29  6 pm •  Granite Hill

July 13,   6 pm • Christopher Miller (country, folk, light rock, mandolin)

July 27,  6 pm •  Lori & Dennis (old country classics)

August 3,   6 pm • Traci Kennedy (country)

August 10, 6 pm • Christopher Miller (country, folk, light rock, mandolin)

August 24, 6 pm • FarFrumNormal (indie/soft rock)

August 31, 6 pm • Dennis Wiley & Friends (country & various)


Directions:

From Talbot Street, drive south on Elgin Street. Turn left on Elm Street and look for the Park sign on the right.

From Sunset Road (Highway 4), drive south and turn left at the lights onto Elm Street. Continue through the intersection of Wilson and Elm and the park entrance is on your right.