Rockwood park is more than just green space, it’s a key part of the history of Saint John, and an under-appreciated outdoor recreation destination!
Designed in the mid 1800s by one of the designers of New York’s Central Park, Rockwood Park in Saint John boasts: 2200 acres, 10 lakes, 55+ trails, city views, world class cross country mountain biking, ultra-marathons, triathlons, restaurants, a golf course, fossils, rock climbing, UNESCO recognized geological sites, and so much more. A rich history linked to Canada’s oldest incorporated city, Lily Lake, the largest lake in the park, was one of the first fresh drinking water sources for the growing city, was home to the 1926 world amateur speed skating championships, and was the site of an ice harvesting operation until the 1930’s. Move a bit further into the park to find the picturesque fisher lakes, once an “unsightly bog,” filled in and flooded by residents of the local jail in the early 1900s.
Saint Johners are so lucky to have the green space we have, it’s rare in modern cities, let alone old ones. Probably the second most common question/comment I hear from tourists in Rockwood Park is about how great it it, but they always wonder why it’s so under-utilized?!
In this photo-essay I was hoping to use the backdrop of Rockwood Glows on February 3rd, a rare city run event in the park, to show just small piece of the potential of this gem of a municipal park!
Chasing Windmills 