Lakeside Park
Description
Lakeside Park is an 11.26 acre green space on Lake Erie, opened in 1907. In response to urbanization during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the urban park became the destination of people during their leisure hours. Kingsville’s municipal Council purchased the land following the development of New York City’s Central Park. The cobblestone Bridge over Mill Creek was built in1928. Mr. Black presented the plan to the Mayor, Reeve and Councillors saying “it will be 54 feet long with an 8 foot walk”. The local paper reported that “although the cost was somewhat heavy, it was an important point in the park and as the park was one of the town’s best assets they believed that something substantial with good appearance should be erected”. The park received designation during its 100th anniversary in 2007. With its view of Lake Erie, this spot features a treed landscape, gardens and a meandering creek. Lakeside Park has been a community gathering spot for many social and cultural events.
Key heritage attributes include:
The “Pavilion” interior has large stone pillars supporting the roof with wooden brackets that curve up towards the roof; these pillars are the most remarkable feature architecturally
The “Gateway” at the northeast entrance to the park is made of fieldstone pillars. It was designed by W.M. Webb, a well-known shopkeeper