Springbank Park: Difference between revisions

Edit links
Coordinates: 42°57′25″N 81°19′17″W / 42.9569°N 81.321368°W / 42.9569; -81.321368
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m simplified before template update using AWB
 
(45 intermediate revisions by 36 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Park in London, Ontario, Canada}}
{{about|the park in London, Ontario|the similarly named park in Wisconsin|Spring Bank Park, Wisconsin}}
{{Infobox park
{{Infobox park
| park = Springbank Park
| name = Springbank Park
| image = Thames River Springbank Park.jpg
| photo = Thames River Springbank Park.jpg
| image size = 275px
| photo_width = 275
| caption = The Thames River in Springbank Park
| photo_caption = The Thames River in Springbank Park
| type = Public park
| type = Public park
| location = [[London, Ontario|London]], [[Ontario]]
| location = [[London, Ontario|London]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]
| coordinates = {{coord|42.9569|N|81.321368|W|region:CA-ON_type:landmark_source:GoogleMaps|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| size = {{convert|300|acre}}
| area = {{convert|300|acre}}
| opened =
| created =
| operator = City of London
| operator = City of London
| visitors =
| visitation_num =
| status =
| status =
}}
}}
'''Springbank Park''' is a 140-hectare (300 acre) park located along a stretch of the [[Thames River (Ontario)|Thames River]] in [[London, Ontario|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.
'''Springbank Park''' is a 240-hectare (300 acre) park located along a stretch of the [[Thames River (Ontario)|Thames River]] in [[London, Ontario|London]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]. The largest park in London, it contains {{convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} of trails and is home to Storybook Gardens, a family attraction open year-round.


==History==
==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 [[Steamboat|steamers]] to and from London via the Thames River.
Springbank Park was originally developed around the site of a [[waterworks]] facility in the late 19th century. [[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 [[steamboat]] to and from London via the Thames River.


⚫
During the year 1896 the London Street Railway constructed and began service of a [[tram|streetcar]] system to take people to and from Springbank Park in record amounts.
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.


⚫
In the years to follow the additions to the park would include [[tennis]] and [[Bowls|bowling]] lawns, [[zoo]], [[campground]], [[amusement park]] and a [[dance hall]] all before 1925.
⚫
During the year 1896 the London Street Railway constructed and began service of a [[tram|street car]] system to take people to and from the Springbank Park in record amounts.


⚫
As time passed on, London grew around the park; around 1920, a miniature train was added as an attraction, and as of 2022 it still exists, although relocated and replaced.
⚫
In the years to follow the additions to the Park would include [[tennis]] and [[Bowls|bowling]] lawns, [[zoo]], [[campground]], [[amusement park]] and a [[dance hall]] all before 1925.


In the 1960s, the riverboat ''Storybook Queen'' was launched in the [[Thames River (Ontario)|Thames]] and gave visitors to Storybook Gardens a taste of the long-over age of riverboat travel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lfpress.com/2015/07/29/pictures-from-the-past-july-30|title=Pictures from the past|last=nurun.com|website=The London Free Press|access-date=2016-08-28}}</ref>
⚫
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.

=== Sinking of ''Victoria'' ===
On May 24, 1881, the steamboat [[Victoria steamboat disaster|''Victoria'' capsized]] and sank close to Cove Bridge after the boiler broke free and crashed through the supports holding up the second deck, causing the decks to collapse onto one another. Hundreds of people drowned or suffered burns, and 182 bodies were recovered from the site. Many believe more bodies are still trapped under the shipwreck. This disaster is widely known among those living in London, and when it happened, it severely cut back the popularity of steamer travel along the Thames and scaled back the popularity of the waterworks grounds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://images.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/59596/data|title=Victoria (Steamboat), capsized, 24 May 1881|language=en|access-date=2016-08-28}}</ref> The shipwreck of the ''Victoria'' was eventually removed, but there is still part of the wreck sitting under the mud on the bottom of the river, and it can be seen during low water levels. Afterwards the grounds could still be reached by [[carriage]] and eventually horse-drawn bus, but interest would not recover for years.


==Storybook Gardens==
==Storybook Gardens==
[[Image:Storybook gardens.JPG|right|thumb|The castle-like entryway to Storybook Gardens]]
[[File:Storybook gardens.JPG|right|thumb|The castle-like entryway to Storybook Gardens]]
Storybook Gardens opened in 1958. This popular attraction included [[Sea Lions]] (now replaced by [[Harbour Seal]]s) and various other animals tied in with themes from children's [[nursery rhyme]]s and stories. On June 16, 1958, an international incident began when "Slippery the sea lion" escaped from a pool into the nearby [[Thames River (Ontario)|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, Ontario|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]].<ref>''[[The Beaver (magazine)|The Beaver]]'' June-July 2006 (p. 13)</ref>
Storybook Gardens opened in 1958. This popular attraction included [[sea lions]] (later replaced by [[harbour seal]]s) and various other animals tied in with themes from children's [[nursery rhyme]]s and stories. On June 16, 1958, "[[Slippery the Seal]]" escaped from a pool into the nearby [[Thames River (Ontario)|Thames River]]. Ten days later, amid intense publicity and "sightings" of various degrees of reliability, the sea lion turned up 400&nbsp;km away near [[Sandusky, Ohio]]. After several days on display to record-breaking crowds, the Americans returned Slippery. The mayor of [[London, Ontario|London]] proclaimed "Slippery Day" and thousands lined the streets to see Slippery's return. An "international incident" staged between Storybook and the Toledo Zoo was later revealed to have been a [[publicity stunt]].<ref>''[[The Beaver (magazine)|The Beaver]]'' June–July 2006 (p. 13)</ref>


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 [[Ice skating|skating]] in the winter. In 2008, the park also put in a {{convert|40|ft|m|sing=on}} tall [[Ferris wheel]], and also had major repairs on the train and track.
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 is now open year-round with [[Ice skating|skating]] in the winter.

No animals currently reside here now: a fire claimed the barn in which the animals were housed, though the animals were unhurt and sent to live elsewhere. On June 8, 2012, while the remaining four seals at Storybook gardens were being transported to the [[Saint Louis Zoo]], two seals, Peanut and Atlantis, died. A third seal, Cri Cri, died on June 13 while being treated.<ref>{{cite news
|first=Brent
|last=Boles
|title=London's Storybook Gardens tries to find its footing 55 years after opening
|newspaper=The London Free Press
|date=2013
|url=https://lfpress.com/2013/05/27/telling-a-different-story}}</ref>


==Present day==
==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 [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] fields. With paths leading to adjoining parks one can travel 10 km from [[Byron, Ontario|Byron]] to downtown London without dealing with traffic.
At present, Springbank Park is the largest park in London, with trails accommodating biking or walking. There is a playground, swings, a wading pool, [[picnic]] areas and [[Football (soccer)|soccer]] fields. With paths leading to adjoining parks one can travel 10&nbsp;km directly from [[Byron, Ontario|Byron]] to downtown London without traffic.

⚫
== See also ==
⚫
* [[London, Ontario]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*{{cite book | author=Pat Morden | title=Putting Down Roots | publisher =Stonehouse Publications | year=1988 | isbn=0-919549-17-9 }}
* {{cite book| last = Morden| first = Pat| title = Putting Down Roots| year = 1988| publisher = Stonehouse Publications| isbn = 978-0-919549-17-3 }}
* [http://www.disaster-management.net/ship_acc.htm Ship Accidents]
* [http://www.disaster-management.net/ship_acc.htm Ship Accidents]

⚫
== See also ==
⚫
* [[London, Ontario]]


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.londonhistory.org/stories.htm Stories in London's History]
* [http://www.londonhistory.org/stories.htm Stories in London's History]
* [http://www.storybook.london.ca/ Storybook Gardens]
* [http://www.storybook.london.ca/ Storybook Gardens]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx4gb91jbuk CFPL-TV, Footage of Storybook Gardens and Slippery the Seal], ca. 1957-1958, Archives of Ontario YouTube Channel
* [http://londonontario.wikicities.com/wiki/Main_Page London, Ontario Wikicity]


{{London, Ontario}}
{{London, Ontario}}

{{coord missing|Ontario}}


[[Category:Parks in London, Ontario]]
[[Category:Parks in London, Ontario]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Ontario]]

[[Category:1958 establishments in Ontario]]
[[fr:Storybook Gardens]]
[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1958]]

Latest revision as of 04:10, 10 November 2023

This article is about the park in London, Ontario. For the similarly named park in Wisconsin, see Spring Bank Park, Wisconsin.
Springbank Park
The Thames River in Springbank Park
Map
TypePublic park
LocationLondon, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates42°57′25″N 81°19′17″W / 42.9569°N 81.321368°W / 42.9569; -81.321368
Area300 acres (120 ha)
Operated byCity of London

Springbank Park is a 240-hectare (300 acre) park located along a stretch of the Thames River in London, Ontario, Canada. The largest park in London, it contains 30 km (19 mi) of trails and is home to Storybook Gardens, a family attraction open year-round.

History[edit]

Springbank Park was originally developed around the site of a waterworks facility in the late 19th century. 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 steamboat to and from London via the Thames River.

During the year 1896 the London Street Railway constructed and began service of a streetcar system to take people to and from 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; around 1920, a miniature train was added as an attraction, and as of 2022 it still exists, although relocated and replaced.

In the 1960s, the riverboat Storybook Queen was launched in the Thames and gave visitors to Storybook Gardens a taste of the long-over age of riverboat travel.[1]

Sinking of Victoria[edit]

On May 24, 1881, the steamboat Victoria capsized and sank close to Cove Bridge after the boiler broke free and crashed through the supports holding up the second deck, causing the decks to collapse onto one another. Hundreds of people drowned or suffered burns, and 182 bodies were recovered from the site. Many believe more bodies are still trapped under the shipwreck. This disaster is widely known among those living in London, and when it happened, it severely cut back the popularity of steamer travel along the Thames and scaled back the popularity of the waterworks grounds.[2] The shipwreck of the Victoria was eventually removed, but there is still part of the wreck sitting under the mud on the bottom of the river, and it can be seen during low water levels. Afterwards the grounds could still be reached by carriage and eventually horse-drawn bus, but interest would not recover for years.

Storybook Gardens[edit]

The castle-like entryway to Storybook Gardens

Storybook Gardens opened in 1958. This popular attraction included sea lions (later replaced by harbour seals) and various other animals tied in with themes from children's nursery rhymes and stories. On June 16, 1958, "Slippery the Seal" escaped from a pool into the nearby Thames River. Ten days later, amid intense publicity and "sightings" of various degrees of reliability, the sea lion turned up 400 km away near Sandusky, Ohio. 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. An "international incident" staged between Storybook and the Toledo Zoo was later revealed to have been a publicity stunt.[3]

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 is now open year-round with skating in the winter.

No animals currently reside here now: a fire claimed the barn in which the animals were housed, though the animals were unhurt and sent to live elsewhere. On June 8, 2012, while the remaining four seals at Storybook gardens were being transported to the Saint Louis Zoo, two seals, Peanut and Atlantis, died. A third seal, Cri Cri, died on June 13 while being treated.[4]

Present day[edit]

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

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ nurun.com. "Pictures from the past". The London Free Press. Retrieved 2016-08-28.
  2. ^ "Victoria (Steamboat), capsized, 24 May 1881". Retrieved 2016-08-28.
  3. ^ The Beaver June–July 2006 (p. 13)
  4. ^ Boles, Brent (2013). "London's Storybook Gardens tries to find its footing 55 years after opening". The London Free Press.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Springbank_Park&oldid=1184394917"