Gateway Park
As a linear property, Gateway Park begins at Riverside Drive and runs nearly 1 kilometre south to Wyandotte Street. It is between 50 to 70 metres wide and bordered on each side by a thick overgrowth of diverse plants and trees. A row of Japanese cherry blossoms, donated in 2002 by the Consulate-General of Japan’s Sakura Project as a symbol of international friendship, lines a narrow foot trail in the centre of the park.
The following quotes were taken from the November 2021 news release regarding the development of Gateway Park.
“On behalf of residents, I would like to thank the Detroit River Tunnel Company for signing this historic park licence agreement granting the City of Windsor rights to manage and maintain the Gateway Park property for the next 99 years. We are proud stewards of our city’s naturalized areas and intend to raise Gateway Park to the same high standards as all of our public parks. The revitalization of Gateway Park starts this month to make it an inviting, safe and accessible passive park for all to enjoy.”
– Mayor Drew Dilkens
“For decades, many residents have volunteered and worked to see Gateway Park meet its potential. With this significant investment to clean up and beautify the park, we are ensuring that the park not only meets its potential but is a safe and accessible space for residents nearby and afar. I am excited about adding a kilometre of parkland to our urban core for residents to enjoy for generations to come.”
– Ward 2 Councillor Fabio Costante
“Gateway Park has long been sought after as a connecting point for residents in the area to the riverfront from as far south as Wyandotte Street. Adding this link of parkland to our system will be key in all the redevelopment happening along the University Avenue corridor, as well as rejuvenating the neighbourhoods in the area. I am excited to have council support this investment after years of efforts by so many residents finally bringing this project to reality.”
– Ward 3 Councillor Rino Bortolin