Riverside Park (Guelph)

[3] The city had been encouraged to open a major park by prominent citizen James Walter Lyon, partly to increase volume for the streetcar operation.

In early days, the park included an "ice-cream building, bandstand, swings, and zoo" according to records and public swimming by both sexes was encouraged.

The fully operational antique carousel (circa 1919) designed by Allan Herschell in Riverside Park contains 3 rows consisting of 2 menagerie animals (i.e., a pig and rooster) and 28 jumping horses.

In 1979, it reopened after a campaign in 1976 led by lawyer John Valeriote and local artist Ken Danby ensued to save the carousel.

Each year floral patterns are changed to celebrate different events or people, and in winter the Arabic numbers are replaced with illuminated Roman numerals.

[7] The floral clock was originally built in 1949 and rebuilt in 1955 according to the designs of John “Jock” Clark, the city's long-time park administrator.

The house, christened The Priory, was named after Charles Prior, one of the men that aided Galt in Guelph's founding.

Such benefits include: filtration of the riparian zone, food and habitation, conservation, prevention of soil erosion, increases in aqueous oxygen levels and shade along the riverside which reduces water temperature.

Riverside Park hosts activities such as paddleboat rides, fishing, dragon-boat races and ice skating by the Speed River.

[7][8] The species of the plant life at Riverside Park include:[9] As of 2019, Riverside Park offers a leash free area, baseball diamonds, a playground, an area for disc golf, picnic tables, washrooms, a miniature train, walking trails, and a vintage carousel manufactured in 1919.

[14] During the winter, Riverside Park offers activities such as cross-country skiing and outdoor ice skating on the Speed River.

[17] This annual free event has been held by Guelph at the Riverside Park for 25 years over a weekend in June.

[22] In addition to rib tasting and contests, it includes live entertainment, a classic car show, and the opportunity for fans to meet members of the Guelph Storm.

[25] The event typically takes place beginning in the middle of December and is open to the public nightly from 5:30 PM.

Sparkles in the Park begins with an opening celebration that includes a visit from Santa Claus and culminates with a large fireworks display on New Year's Eve that always draws a crowd.