Name:

MOHAWK SPORTS PARK

Also Known As: Commonwealth Park, Upper King's Forest Sports Park, Bernie Arbour Stadium

Location: Mountain Brow Blvd. between Upper Kenilworth Ave., Mohawk Rd. E., and Limeridge Rd. E. - Ward 6

Survey Description: Concession 6, part of Lot 1, part of Lot 2, Township of Barton, City of Hamilton

Size: 39.66 hectares (98 acres)

Features: football fields, playground, running track, soccer fields, ball diamonds, batting cage, skateboard ramp, Bernie Arbour Stadium, benches, picnic tables, walkways, parking

History

This park was formerly known as the Upper King's Forest Sports Park and as Commonwealth Park. This site became known as Mohawk Sports Park in 1971 when it was recommended that reference be made to the old Mohawk Trail, which had once been part of the property. This park is considered the area's finest major sports facility. The facilities in the park are sometimes used by athletes taking part in the World University Games.

In 1970, the civic baseball stadium was relocated to the site. On June 30, 1971, it was officially named Bernie Arbour Stadium to honour Bernie Arbour (1921 - 1967), a former Hamilton police sergeant who directed the police minor sports association when it began in 1948. In 1949, he was appointed secretary of the association, a position he held until his death. He was elected Hamilton's Citizen of the Year in 1966 for his involvement in youth sports in the city. The stadium's scoreboard was donated and erected by the Imperial Tobacco Company in 1979.

On July 1, 1992, Mohawk Sports Park was the site of Hamilton's celebration of Canada's 125th birthday.

References:
1. Corporation of the City of Hamilton, Department of Public Works and Traffic, Parks Division, Park Development Section. Parks Master Plan database, 1996.
2. Hamilton Spectator. April 10, 1971. p. 8.