The third and final reason was to provide clear fields of fire for the garrison of the Halifax Citadel, so that invading forces would have no cover in the event of an assault on the fort.

The Common became home to the Public Gardens, Camp Hill Cemetery and Camp Hill Hospital, Dalhousie University Medical Campus, the Civic, Victoria General, IWK and Grace hospitals, Citadel High School.

It is larger than the Central Common, and is much more empty and open, making it suitable for organized sporting and recreation events.

Originally constructed to host speed skating events in the 2011 Canadian Masters Championships and the 2011 Canada Games,[3] the oval was slated to be removed in March 2011, but due to its overwhelming popularity, it was made a permanent fixture.

Construction on a renovation of the Common's aquatic area, with pool, splash pad, and related facilities, is anticipated after the 2021 season.

five to ten minutes walking east on Cogswell Street or Rainnie Drive) to Downtown Halifax and the Barrington Street Halifax Transit public transit terminal, with services providing connections to the rest of the city, the Halifax harbour ferry connecting with Downtown Dartmouth and Woodside, as well as the new Bus Rapid Transit service MetroLink.

During these shows, concert express and shuttle buses run directly to and from Common Park from various locations and are designated to operate along with the regular service Metro Transit offers.