Name:
This park was opened in 1910, but not officially designated as a park until August 16, 1972. It was named in honour of Colonel John Inglis McLaren (1865 - 1948), who was an Alderman and Mayor of Hamilton in 1909 and 1910. As Mayor, he was involved in the extension of Burlington Street and the purchase of the west end of the Mountain face. A successful businessman and military leader, he established the Hamilton Coffee and Spice Company (McLaren's Limited) and organized the 91st Canadian Highlanders, commanding the 79th Battalion during World War I.
A wading pool was installed in the park in 1975. In 1977, the City commissioned Conrad Furey to paint a mural on the park's storage building. The children playing in the park were his inspiration. Mr. Furey was paid $900 for the mural - $100 less than it would have cost for a whitewash job. In the past, the city had to repaint the building once a year to cover up the graffiti. This mural saved the city thousands of dollars. In 1983, the Hamilton Wentworth Creative Arts organization invited members of the public to refurbish the mural.
