Chinguacousy Park


Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park, colloquially known as Chinguacousy Park, is a large park in the Bramalea section of Brampton, Ontario. It is bounded by Queen Street East on the southeast, Bramalea Road on the northeast, and Central Park Drive on the north and west sides.
Chinguacousy is said to mean "Young Pine River". The park is named for Donald M. Gordon, who helped form the parks and recreation programs in Brampton, as well as Chippewa Chief Shinguacose.

History

In 1970, the City of Brampton bought the farm from the Crawford family, with the intention of building a large park, paying for land and facilities from the proceeds of subdivision agreements.

Revitalization

In 2014, the federal, provincial and municipal government each agreed to contribute $8.2 million towards the park, to be used for renovations and new construction.

Facilities

The park's sport facilities include a curling facility, winterized tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, boating, skiing and track-and-field facilities. They also offer mini-putt golf, formal gardens and greenhouse, paddle boats, pony rides, petting zoo and barn, splash pad and children's playground, and a BMX/skateboard park. In winter 2017, a canal-style skating trail opened. It converts to a reflective fountain in summer.

Mount Chinguacousy

Mount Chinguacousy is a small alpine skiing and snowboarding hill located in the park, near the intersection of Bramalea Road and Central Park Drive. It features a magic carpet ski lift, beginner slopes on either side of the lift and a chalet and rental shop at the base of the hill. It is about high, with its longest run. It has snow-making facilities and night skiing, and is the only ski hill in Brampton.
The hill is man-made, constructed from the excavations for basements of many early Bramalea houses.

Events

There are a variety of summer camps offered for children and teens at this park. They are offered through Brampton Parks and Recreation Department. The park is also host to annual carnivals. City of Brampton hosts a Tough Run adventure race every September. The park also hosts outdoor movie nights during the summer.