Hintonburg Park

We (sadly) don't have market/restaurant squares in Ottawa, like they do in other parts of the world. So that means parks take on a greater significance as places to gather, relax and play.

The closest park to my house in Hintonburg is (take a guess)...

...Hintonburg Park!

It actually does double duty as the schoolyard for Margot's school and also as a general recreation area.

The park has some quirky features, which is keeping with the character of Hintonburg. Most significantly there is an old stone wall surrounding the yard, which dates back to 1902 when it enclosed a local monastery and church. The monastery is long gone but the church is still here (and is associated with Margot's school).

The park is also conveniently located next to the Hintonburg Community Centre, which has all sorts of local activities and programs.

There are always a few neighbourhood scamps (including my own) running around the play structures, a few watchful parents keeping an eye on the scamps from the sidelines, a hipster passing through, and perhaps a couple sitting on one of the benches soaking up the sunshine.*

Don't fall Margot! The ground is ice solid!

The park is alive.

*Except in the rarest of circumstances the parents and the couple on the bench are NOT the same people. Oh well. Parents, don't worry, it's only a few more years!