PIER 4 PARK

Pier 4 Park begins at a steep grassy hill and fans out over level ground to the shallow bayshore. From here, one can look west across the water to Dundurn Castle. It is peaceful and very beautiful.

Originally owned by the Hamilton Harbour Commission, this property was donated to the City for park purposes in 1984. In 1989, it was decided that Hamilton's west harbour would be established as a public waterfront and open space area. In 1993, the site underwent extensive improvements, which were approved by Council and citizens' groups with an interest in the site. Funding was received from the City of Hamilton, the Provincial Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, the Provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs, and from other donations.

At the back of the park, a historic building was donated by the Fracassi family. It was once the offices of the Gartshore - Thomson Pipe and Foundry Company (established in 1870), one of Hamilton's leading industries at that time, and the largest pipe manufacturer in the country. The company was known for its cast-iron water and gas pipes. Modelled on the form of a house, the building is typical of late 19th century industry. It was refurbished, and the Gartshore - Thomson name has been retained. The building now contains public washrooms, a public shower and a conference room.

The highlight of the park is the old BayPort Tugboat which was donated by McKiel Marine Limited. The hull of the 1945 tugboat was cut out and the boat was converted to a play structure.

The park also contains a wooden pavilion that can hold 500 people. Pedestrian and bicycle pathways link the park to Bayfront Park and also to a boat launch. The path that links Pier 4 Park to Bayfront Park is called the Macassa Bay Walkway. The walkway goes through Macassa Bay Yacht Club and MacDonald Marina, which the City has leased to private companies. This connection makes the whole area popular for walks, in-line skating and bicycle rides. Pier 4 Park and Bayfront Park are often used for summer festivals and concerts, such as the annual Aquafest and Summerfest celebrations.

The park was officially opened on July 23, 1993. The name "Pier 4" was derived from the Harbour Commission's pier plan for the Hamilton Harbour. Along with Bayfront Park, it is the first initiative in enhancing the harbour and providing public access to the waterfront.