Springbank Park, London

Springbank Park is one of the largest and oldest public green spaces in the region, established in 1878 as part of the city’s early waterworks system on Reservoir Hill. It was later expanded and adapted into a public space for recreation and rest, with surrounding land added over time. Before becoming a municipal park, the area also functioned as a riverside resort reached by steamboats in the late 19th century.

The park’s layout follows the river, shaping both movement and views. Paved paths connect to a wider trail network used for walking, cycling, and jogging, forming part of a longer riverside route. Small bridges and shaded sections add variation, while birds are often seen near the water. The Graham Arboretum, established in 1926 by parks superintendent Ernie Graham, contains a collection of more than 300 native and introduced tree species.

Several historical details add depth to the site. In 1881, the steamer Victoria sank during a return trip from the park, further downriver. Archaeological findings confirm long-term Indigenous presence in the area. In 1958, a sea lion named Slippery escaped from Storybook Gardens and was later found in Ohio. A statue near the gardens marks this event.