Jack Downing Park Notice

Jack Downing Park is a 5,735 square foot public park, located in the Downtown core on land between Main Street E. and William Street, across the from Town Hall and the Grace Tipling Hall.

The space has been a public park since 2000, prior to the space becoming a park, the lands were once a former gas station and vacant property.

A Community Park

Jack Downing Park is named after John Robert “Jack” Downing. Jack Downing was born in 1920 and passed away on January 17, 2014, at the age of 93. Jack advocated that the Town purchase the vacant land in 1998.  He raised approximately $34,000 to purchase the land and raised an additional $52,900 for the park development which included receiving several grants.

Many volunteers also donated their time and labour to the project. The park was officially opened in June 2000 and marked its 20th year anniversary in 2020.

Future of the Park – About the Revitalization

Over the last few years, the Town of Shelburne has been working closely with the local community to plan the revitalization of the well-used and well-worn park. The 2019 Community Improvement Plan (CIP) which was developed through extensive Community engagement, recognizes the importance of Jack Downing Park in BIG MOVE #8 - Redesign Jack Downey Park to become the community’s ‘living room’.  A draft park design concept was created as part of the CIP project for Jack Downing Park. That concept design included incorporating part of the William Street parking lot as new park space, which would allow the park to expand northward for events.

Upgrades to this small area will enhance the parks use, appearance and vibrancy of the downtown.

Council’s commitment to the revitalization of the park is outlined in Council’s Strategic Priorities 3 Goals - Sustainable, Engaged and Livable.

T10 Improve and enhance parks and recreation services

T11 Improve community connections

T12 Support and celebrate arts and culture

The CAO 2021-04 regarding Jack Downing Park Project further outlines Council commitment to the revitalization project.

The removal of the fencing and gazebo mark the beginning of the revitalization efforts. A new gazebo is anticipated to be installed for late Spring / early Summer and the Town of Shelburne will be engaging with the community as we move through the redesign of the park.

The park is still open for public use. The removal site has been hazarded off for the public’s safety. Please take extra care and caution around this area.