Renovations begin at Halifax explosion memorial park
Posted May 15, 2017 05:53:48 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – With the 100th anniversary of the Halifax explosion quickly approaching, the municipality will begin fixing up Fort Needham Memorial Park today.
On December 6th, 1917 two ships collided causing a massive explosion that killed almost 2,000 people, and today the park is one of the most-used public spaces in Halifax.
Fort Needham Memorial Park was established by the Halifax Relief Commission to remember the victims.
Municipal spokesperson Brendan Elliott says work over the next several months will include landscaping around the Halifax explosion memorial bell tower, and a new plaza will be built for ceremonies to honour the rich cultural significance of the area.
He tells NEWS 95.7 the first steps are going to start in the south end of the park.
“The entrance is going to be off-limits,” explained Elliott. “So anyone that’s used to coming into the park off of the Needham St. entrance, we’re recommending you use the Union St. entrance.”
Elliott says renovations include working on the entrances, a new staircase honoring the lost community of Richmond, as well as a brand new accessible children’s playground. He adds the dog park will be open as usual.
The renovations are aimed to be completed by Oct. 27, a week before the centennial anniversary.
