It officially opened Sept. 14, 2019 as not only Canada’s first elevated park, but also a park built by the community for the community.
The St. Thomas Elevated Park is perched atop Michigan Central Railroad bridge crossing Kettle Creek at a height of 95 feet.
It’s the third bridge on this site and opened in 1930 at a cost of $689,000 and carried as many as 50 trains a day.
On Track St. Thomas director Serge Lavoie has more specifics on the trestle.
Lavoie offers the back story to creation of the park was the bridge was officially abandoned.
The elevated park is comprised of theme areas along the bridge structure, but the main attraction remains spectacular views, no matter where you turn along the boardwalk or the season.
Wherever you look there is artwork.
Some are massive industrial structures like the railroad itself that are meant to withstand the elements. It wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination to call the park an outdoor art gallery.
The elevated park welcome countless visitors who are able to stroll along its length to admire the many attractions and, if they like, continue onto the Great Trail – formerly the Trans-Canada Trail – along the four-kilometre span of the parklands west to Lyle Road in Southwold.
The elevated park is open from dawn to dusk year-round and is free to use, stresses Lavoie.
“Costs were covered through community donations and support from local businesses and organizations.”
Find out more about St. Thomas Elevated Park at http://www.elevatedpark.ca/
Hear the full interview with Serge Lavoie talking about the St. Thomas Elevated Park right here.
Written by Ian McCallum
