General Information

Officially opened in 1967 in celebration of Canada's 100th birthday, the garden is part of the Merritt Trail system. The Centennial Garden features a stonedust path bordered by large willow trees as the trail follows the historic Second Welland Canal, which converge with Dick's and Carter's Creeks within the park.

In warm weather the park is popular for picnics and sunbathing on the large lawns. The first half of the park is open to cars and and allows users to drive down the trail and park in the shade of the trees. Year round walking and on-leash dog-walking are popular activities.

In the summer of 2009 a community vegetable garden was sponsored by Climate Action Now in the South-end of the park and is worth investigating during the growing season.

The park also displays a pair of historic plaques, the first highlights the life of Richard Pierpont. One of the first Black settlers of the region - he fought for the British in the American Revolution, and in the War of 1812 before making his home in St. Catharines. The second plaque describes the construction and development of the original Welland Canal from 1824-1833 and its impact on the region.

TripClip Audio File

Hours of Operation

Open year round from dawn - dusk

Directions

From Toronto:

QEW exit 49, St. Catharines (ON-406)

Exit Westchester Avenue

Left (north) on Oakdale Avenue

Left (west) into parking lot

From Niagara Falls:

QEW exit 44, St. Catharines (Niagara Street)

Merge onto Dieppe Road

Left (west) on Welland Avenue

Left (south) on Tasker Street

Left (east) on Oakdale Avenue

Right (west) into parking lot

If you reach the lights at Westchester Avenue you have gone too far

Further Information

If interested in volunteering in the community garden with Climate Action Now they can be reached at

Phone: (289) 820-6640

Fax: (289) 820-6557

Email: can.info@cogeco.net