Parks

Location: 95 Elm St, St Thomas, ON N5R 1H7

Pinafore Park spans 111 acres in the southwest section of the city, and features a woodlot, the Lake Margaret addition, and extensive walking trails. The park hosts major community events that draw thousands of visitors each year. Pinafore Park is thought to be named after a popular Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. The St. Thomas Street Railway Company first developed the park in the late 19th century, hoping a recreational destination would encourage passenger traffic on the newly electrified railway.

Much has changed since 1863, but Pinafore Park remains a unique spot for recreation, with something for everyone. Century-old pavilions nestled among towering trees provide a scenic setting for family picnics, and our parks crews create beautiful flower displays each year.

What you'll find: Pinafore Park suits the active outdoor enthusiast, with hiking and cross-country ski trails, tennis courts, and our first-class ball stadium, Emslie Field. The park also features a small lake, a splash pad, accessible playground equipment, and the Morris F. Jones Memorial Bandshell, home to our Music in the Park summer series.

Book a pavilion: Visit Facility Rentals

Washrooms:

• Main washrooms open Victoria Day to Labour Day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and during some special events beyond these dates
• Accessible washrooms, north and south sides (June to September): 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
• Accessible washrooms, north and south sides (October to May): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
• Portable toilets are available near the playground year-round

Location: 2 S Edgeware Rd, St Thomas, ON N5P 2G8

Waterworks Park sits at the northern edge of the city and covers 100 acres of recreational trails and naturalized landscapes, including 35 acres of managed parkland with manicured gardens, pavilions, a playground and a splash pad.

History: Waterworks Park was the first publicly owned park in St. Thomas. It began in the early 1900s as a small area around the Public Utilities Commission's pumping station and water treatment plant. About 25 acres (10 hectares) not needed for waterworks purposes were set aside as a recreation space for the city and district.

What was once a tangled willow swamp became beautiful water gardens, developed by the Public Utilities Commission starting in 1932. The City of St. Thomas Parks Division has cared for these gardens since 1969.

Around 5,000 flowering annuals and ornamental shrubs surround the park's lawns, banks and bridges, creating its tranquil, natural setting.

What you'll find: Waterworks Park emphasizes quieter, family-friendly recreation. Stroll across arched footbridges connecting a chain of small islands, where water lilies, goldfish and other wildlife make their home. It's an ideal spot for nature study, and home to resident kingfishers, blue herons, ospreys, red-tailed hawks and American kestrels.

From the hill on the park's east side, you can take in a view of the valley and the dam, which creates a reservoir where you can fish or picnic, surrounded by reforested banks and highlands.

To the south, the park offers a large playground, a splash pad, and nature and ski trails. Its colourful flower displays and rustic character make it a favourite spot for photography and wedding pictures.

Book a pavilion: Visit Facility Rentals

Washrooms:

• Main washrooms open Victoria Day to Labour Day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Portable toilets are available year-round

Location: 355 Burwell Rd, St Thomas, ON N5P 4M3

1Password Park sits in the northeast section of the city and serves as a hub for active recreation, with a splash pad, playground, walking trails, basketball courts, a pavilion, a turf field and 33 soccer fields.

History

1Password Park takes its name from a $500,000 donation to the City of St. Thomas by David and Sara Teare, on behalf of 1Password, a password management company used by millions of people worldwide. The Teare family, longtime St. Thomas residents, made the gift to support the development of the city's new outdoor sports complex.

The park opened in spring 2019, with donated funds helping to bring several key facility amenities to the park from day one.

What you'll find

1Password Park spans 65 acres in the northeast end of St. Thomas and has become one of the city's premier destinations for sports and community gatherings. The park is home to the St. Thomas Soccer Club, with dozens of manicured soccer pitches, along with a full-size, lighted artificial turf football field for evening games.

Built for active families, athletes and community events, the park offers paved perimeter walking trails, a modern and inclusive playground, a splash pad, basketball courts, soccer and football fields, picnic facilities, public washrooms and on-site parking. The park is wheelchair accessible throughout.

1Password Park also serves as the city's flagship event venue, hosting our annual Canada Day Celebrations, complete with live performances, family entertainment and fireworks.

Washrooms

• Main washrooms open Victoria Day to Labour Day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and during artificial turf bookings
• Portable toilets are available throughout the park and on the turf field year-round.