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Inch Park was opened after World War II in honour of Adam Inch and his wife, Jacqueline, for their contributions in the development of Mount Hamilton. When the city limits were extended in the early 1930's, Adam Inch lost 42 acres of his farm. A portion of the land was set aside for athletic purposes in 1939 and the park was developed in 1944. Adjoining lots were sold to the Parks Board in 1947 and 1950.
On April 3, 1951, the Recreational Council recommended a new swimming pool for Inch Park. The pool was opened at 7:00 p.m. on August 20, 1953. There was a special 25-yard challenge race among Aldermen Jack Lewington, Bob Rurnell, and Brian Morrison. Alderman Jack Lewington came away as the winner of a new hat. At the time, the "L shaped" pool could handle up to 420 children. It also had complete locker and shower facilities, and a fully trained staff, including 3 life guards. By 1954, the pool had the largest attendance records in the city with over 6,000 people weekly! By today's regulations, the pool can only hold up to 149 children.
Inch Park held the first Annual Town and County Fair in 1956. A parade was traditionally the "kick off" for the Fair which included clowns, bands, decorated bicycles, and many more attractions. There were baked goods contests, a live stock show, and even a greased pig contest in which the slippery pigs attempted to elude the young "city fellers" who were bent on catching them! Although the Fair does not take place today, many people in the community have fond memories of the event.
At 3:00 p.m. on December 18, 1953, the Inch Park artificial outdoor skating rink was opened. Tennis courts were installed in 1963.
In the fall of 1969, construction of a partial roof was started to cover the rink. Then on March 27, 1970, the roof blew off in a bad storm. The partial roof was then replaced. Finally, in 1982, the rink was converted to an indoor facility. The arena was closed in October of 1984 because of an ammonia leak in one of the pipes. It was closed again from the end of the hockey season in 1985 until January of 1986 to replace the refrigerant for the ice surface. During the summer months, the arena is used for roller skating. In 1995, a beautiful new arena was built.
In May of 1991, for the first time, the pool was transformed into a temporary fishing pond. Dozens of volunteers and service clubs chipped in to purchase the fish, to supply fishing rods, tackle and bait, and to help supervise the children at the pool. This exciting event gave kids the chance to experience the joy of fishing!
