VIDEO: St. Catharines planning for Richard Pierpoint Park opening

Even though a date hasn’t been selected yet for the Grand Opening of the Richard Pierpoint Park in St. Catharines, city staff is making sure it’s going to be a great party.

Slated for sometime in June 2022, the city’s Civic Project Fund has already chipped in $8,000 for the park’s official opening

In a report penned by Eric Lamothe, the city’s Acting Director of Community, Recreation and Culture Services, the city is doing to do it up right.

“The grand-opening event for Richard Pierpoint Park will be a celebration of Richard Pierpoint. The grand-opening event is tentatively scheduled for June 2022 and it is anticipated that 100-200 people will attend,” the report said.

“The event will include a large tent, seating, shuttle service, entertainment and speakers. The approximate cost of the grand opening event is $8,000 and staff recommend the funding be provided from the Civic Project Fund.”

Given the affection and admiration that St. Catharines has for this historic resident, it’s little wonder that this level of effort is being put towards the event.

“Richard Pierpoint is one of the City’s most significant individuals and it is important that the naming of Richard Pierpoint Park be properly recognized and celebrated by the community,” said the report.

“This report provides recognition opportunities within Richard Pierpoint Park for Richard Pierpoint, the Indigenous community (also hugely prevalent in the community) and the history behind Canada’s Centennial and the creation of the park including the funding requirements.”

While hours could be spent on video of Pierpoint, his essence and character were captured nicely in this Heritage Minute.