Scrub Tree on the Trash Heap
22/12/10 09:57 Filed in: Parks
This image was taken at what we in Waterloo Region affectionately call "Mount Trashmore", an old heap of a reclaimed garbage dump. The landfill was relocated in the 1970's and the surrounding area built up to what is now known as Country Hills, Laurentian Hills and Glencairn. The landfill was covered and eventually naturalized into what is now the cherished McLennan Park.
For decades sledders braved the winter chill to tackle the regions most popular tobogganing site, and in the warmer seasons, joggers have used the steep slopes to kick their workout into overdrive. The hills geographic location and higher altitude relative to the surrounding area also make it the best place in Kitchener-Waterloo to fly a kite. The community has long since embraced "Trashmore" as their own.
In recent years there has been multi-phased construction projects at the park to make it an official community recreation area. With the addition of Ottawa Street access and a parking lot, the park has become accessible to all. Park benches, landscaping and even a regrading of the sledding slope were some of the first signs of a revitalization, an ambitious and sophisticated bike park soon followed.
And now, land to the immediate north of the giant hill is being developed to accommodate a skatepark, accessible play-structure, splash pad, washroom building, beach volleyball, basketball courts, picnic shelter and more.
