Gage Park, Hamilton

Gage Park stands on land once called Jubilee Farm, owned by the Gage family. The plan to create a public park was first proposed in 1913, and the purchase was approved in 1917 for $320,000, paid over 32 years. In 1920, H.B. and L.A. Dunington-Grubb designed its formal layout with straight paths and open lawns. The central stone fountain, designed by John Lyle, was dedicated in 1927 in memory of Robert Russell Gage and his wife.

The George R. Robinson Bandshell, built in 1947, is still used for concerts and festivals. It was named after a bandmaster of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, and since 1975 it has hosted the annual Festival of Friends. The former Gage family home, a red brick house from about 1875 known as “The Retreat,” has housed the Hamilton Children’s Museum since 1978.

Gardens and greenhouses have long been part of the park. The first seven conservatories opened in 1919. When the old buildings became too small and began to deteriorate, work on a new 14,000-square-foot greenhouse started in July 2017. It opened in March 2019. Inside are palms, orchids, cacti, a waterfall with fish and turtles, and free-flying birds, creating a warm space open year-round.