April 5, 1994, the L.A.C.A.C. (London
Advisory Committee on Heritage) and the Parks and Recreation
department began to investigate a conservation strategy
for Victoria Park ensuring historic design and integrity
is preserved.
In 1995 the “Endowment for Heritage
Fund” was initiated, where the first requirement was
to collect and compile an illustrated history of the park
development.
Terms of Reference:
• Collect, assemble and organize data documenting
the chronological evolution of the park, its elements and
its context.
• Develop current inventory and assessment of conditions
of elements (trees, features, structures, paths, signage,
etc.)
• Initiate inventory of parks, users, programming
and uses.
• Develop a bibliographic source list identifying
the recorded and published materials – including records
mapping and photographs pertaining to the park.
The foremost archeological concern is the northern two thirds
of the property which consists of all land north of the
pathway that contains the Boer War monument.
To date the park has been idealized as
a pleasure ground, a venue for horticultural and artistic
expression, a recreational facility and more recently, a
civic space for special events.
The Boer War Memorial was unveiled in
1912 and the Cenotaph was erected in 1934. The World War
Two Sherman Tank, “Holy Roller” was dedicated
in 1950 to the First Hussars.
The cannon were used at the siege
of Sebastopol and were brought to this country after
the capture of that city by the British in 1855. Sir John
Carling was instrumental in procuring these three pieces
for this city. One gun is a British piece. The other two
are Russian. The tablet was erected by The London and Middlesex
Historical Society, 1907. ~ Restored 1987 ~
The yearly tradition of ice skating in Victoria Park dates
back to 1913 when the first lighted, outdoor skating rink
was constructed.
The first Kiwanis Bandshell was erected
in 1950 and the newly reconstructed Bandshell reopened in
December 1990.
The Kiwanis Memorial Monument was dedicated
in December 1994. It is located just north of the Bandshell
and is the Women’s Memorial. The Memorial was sculpted
from two black granite slabs by U.W.O. art student Leigh
Rainey.
At one point, there was an illuminated
fountain and lily pond located within Victoria Park. The
installation of the illuminated fountain dates back to 1939.
However, information indicates that it caused many traffic
jams and may be one of the reasons it was removed.
LAND DEGRADATION
Less than fifty percent of Victoria Park
is covered with mature or older trees. Those trees remaining,
are suffering the effects of soil compaction, pests and
disease and inadequate moisture.
Fifty percent of the trees found in Victoria
Park are native to this geographic location and the other
existing fifty percent are classified as exotic. Of those
exotic, sixty percent are identified as Norway Maples. Although
the range is five to 125 years of age for the trees in Victoria
Park, it is difficult to determine their exact age as park
usage increases growth rates in trees due to stress. Presently
there is a moratorium on planting, pending the outcome of
the Master Plan for Victoria Park. There is also no fertilizing
program at the present time.
Victoria Park hosts nineteen show beds
with an estimated 8,000 annuals planted each year in addition
to the bulbs and seasonal plants. There is an aggressive
turf management program in place at the moment.
The third phase of the renovations
and improvements to the Park entrances began in September
2002. This includes the replacement of old paths and concrete
matching the main walkway. Water lines and electrical systems
are being extended and installed under new paths. A new
irrigation system is also underway. Archeologists are on
site throughout the completion of these renovations (which
is expected in the Spring of 2003) to complete the inventory
of the British Garrison artifacts.
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