Official Name:

TRENHOLME PARK

Location: Stone Church Rd., Upper Kenilworth Ave., Milkway Dr., Trenholme Cres. - Ward 6

Survey Description: Concession 7, part of lot 3, part of lot 4, Township of Barton, City of Hamilton

Size: 4.4 hectares (11 acres)

Official Naming Date: October 29, 1991

Features: miniature arboretum trail centre, turtle pond, bat houses, Purple Martin houses, bocce courts, benches, walkways, ice-rink, multi-purpose court, playground, spray pad

History

On October 29, 1991, Trenholme Park was officially named for its location in the Trenholme neighbourhood. The park provides a natural habitat for birds and wildlife in an urban environment. It is also the setting for various recreational activities. In 1992, the Trenholme Neighbourhood Park Committee received the Environmentalist of the Year Award of Merit for their work on the design of the site, which demonstrated, as Parks Manager Robert Chrystian said, "a high degree of environmental understanding and sensitivity."

The seeding and grading was competed in 1991. The park added a spray facility, creative play structure, plants, and lighting in 1992. In 1993, a multi-use court, bocce courts, gazebo, benches, and pathways were completed.

Trenholme was the maiden name of Mrs. Clementina Trenholme Fessenden (1844-1918), who originated the idea of Empire Day. Celebrated on May 23rd, or the school day nearest to Queen Victoria's birthday, this day was to be dedicated to teaching schoolchildren about the British Empire and Canada's British heritage. Mrs. Fessenden was also the first curator of Dundurn Castle and a founder of the Hamilton branch of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of Empire (I.O.D.E.).

References:
1. Clipping File. Hamilton - Parks - Trenholme Park. Special Collections, HPL.
2. Corporation of the City of Hamilton, Department of Public Works and Traffic, Parks Division, Park Development Section. Parks Master Plan database, 1996.