The City of Charlottetown contains approximately 400 acres of parkland and greenspace. The City of Charlottetown has a long history of valuing public parklands. Charlottetown's first park was created in 1873 when 40 acres of land was transferred from the Crown for the sole purpose of a park for the citizens of Charlottetown. Victoria Park is located at the mouth of the Charlottetown harbour.
There are four historic squares within the boundaries of historic old Charlottetown: Rochford Square, Connaught Square, Hillsborough Square, and Kings Square. These squares were laid out in a plan drawn by surveyor Thomas Wright in 1771. These squares have been sources of civic pride since the first community tree planting took place in 1884.
Since the early 1990's Charlottetown has been concentrating on making its waterfront a destination for local residents and tourists alike. Confederation Landing, located adjacent to Peakes Quay Marina, was developed through a national design competition in 1993. This park is popular for many of the special events that take place in the summer in the city.
Through the efforts of a community interest, The Lake of Shining Waters Chapter of the International Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE) the park on the corner of Grafton and Edward St. was redeveloped. This parked was renamed Joseph A Ghiz Memorial park. This park now includes a commemorative garden to Joseph A. Ghiz, a former premier of Prince Edward Island, as well as many other upgrades.
In 2000, as part of a millennium project for the Charlottetown Kiwanis Club, and in cooperation with surrounding neighbours, one of the four historic green squares was redeveloped. Rochford Square, a four-hectare rectangle across from the Provincial Buildings on Pownal St. was developed into a Victorian-style Garden, complete with new pathways, ornate flowerbeds, benches and new shrub beds. This is now a popular location for wedding photographs and tourist pictures.
The Charlottetown Parks and Recreation Department developed a
Victoria Park Comprehensive Master Plan completed in June of 2013
In total Charlottetown has 158 parks and open space parcels providing 546.07 acres of recreation space, of which 418.87 acres are developed parkland.
View a list of the City's
Parks, Playgrounds and Trails.
Playgrounds
The City of Charlottetown Parks & Recreation Department maintains more than 60 playgrounds found throughout the city. Playgrounds are an important part of the park experience, providing an interesting, stimulating and fun play experience for children. Charlottetown has two parks with accessible play structures, located in Centennial Park and Victoria Park. The City has an ongoing commitment to ensure that our playground equipment meets the most current CSA safety standards.
Victoria Park
In 1873, Governor William Cleaver Francis Robinson gave the City of Charlottetown the responsibility of caring for 40 acres of the Fanning Bank farm. This land was “to and for the use of all her Majesty's subjects as a park, promenade and pleasure ground.” It was name Victoria Park in honour of Her Majesty Queen Victoria.
Today, Victoria Park is one of Charlottetown's most beautiful and popular parks where visitors can enjoy:
- Peaceful woodland walking trails
- A beautiful harbor-front boardwalk
- Ball diamonds, tennis courts, horseshoe pitch
- A playground, splash pad and swimming pool
Open green spaces
- Colorful displays of annual and perennial flowers