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Hamilton's first bayfront park, Pier 8 Park, was opened June 27, 1974. Unlike most parks, which are run by the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Parks Division of the Department of Public Works and Traffic, Pier 8 Park is run by the Hamilton Harbour Commission. The Harbour Police keep an eye on what goes on there from their headquarters located at the entrance to the pier.
Besides acting as a regular park, Pier 8 also provides visitors with access to the HarbourWest Marina Complex, and the new sailing school building built in 1992. The sailing and powerboating school, HarbourWest Sailing Adventures, has been teaching about 3,000 students boating skills every year since 1975. The Harbour Commission also offers financial aid to many students, who need it for their courses.
Pier 8 Park is the only Hamilton park that lets visitors get a first-hand look at Centennial Pier, the port next door, where ships load cargo for many different destinations all over the world. Many local boats and yachts that use the HarbourWest Marina can also be seen nearby.
In July 1984, many people gathered at Pier 8 Park to watch the Tall Ships as they passed Hamilton. Perhaps for this reason, in November 1986 an alderman made the suggestion, that the 1812 warships the Hamilton and the Scourge be permanently displayed at Pier 8, instead of at the favoured site, Confederation Park. However, as both these ships are still lying untouched at the bottom of Lake Ontario near Port Dalhousie, a decision on this suggestion will probably not be made very soon.
