Central Garden Block of the Gore Re-Opened

HAMILTON, ON – November 7, 2016 – The Central Garden Block of Gore Park re-opened yesterday after receiving a face lift over the summer.

The area of the park between James Street S and Hughson Street S has been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly space. The Central Garden Block now includes textured concrete walkways, newly installed benches, modern lighting, and new trees, shrubs and perennials. The well-known central fountain has an expanded walkway with benches around it, allowing spectators to sit and enjoy its beauty.

The work in this section of the park was the second in a three-phased approach to restore and revitalize The Gore. The first phase was a significant re-design of the block between Hughson Street S and John Street S, now known as Veterans’ Place. It opened in May 2015 and features a series of monuments commemorating Hamilton’s military history. Phase three is expected to begin in 2018 and will be focused on the area between John Street S and Catharine Street S, in front of the former Royal Connaught.

To date, the Gore revitalization project has resulted in the addition of 3,200 square metres of programmable space that will allow businesses and events the opportunity to spill out into the park.

A nine-metre high beacon located near James Street S will eventually mark the western edge of The Gore. During phase three, a second beacon will be installed near Catharine Street S to mark the eastern edge of the park. The beacons will give the area a sense of place and delineate its borders. Public art will be displayed on the beacons. More information about the call for public art will follow at www.hamilton.ca/publicart.

The holiday events traditionally held at The Gore will be held at City Hall this year to allow the new sod and trees in the park time to develop in their new environment.