History of Bowring Park 1 Researcher: Gil Shalev (2009) Design: Stephanie Dunn (2016) Table of Contents GENERAL HISTORICAL FACTS The Land 3 The Design 5 Development 7 PARK FEATURES AND FACILITIES Trees/Plants/Flowers 9 The Conservatory 10 Rivers/Streams/Ponds 11 Duck Pond 12 Slate Quarry 14 Shadow Pools 14 Fountain Pond 15 The Fighting Newfoundlander 16 The Caribou 17 Peter Pan 18 The Lodge 20 The Bungalow 21 Angels’ Grove 22 The Bell 22 Horse Trough 23 Bridges 23 Fences & Benches 25 SPORT/LEISURELY FACILITIES Old Swimming Pool 26 Tennis Court 27 Skate Park 27 Swimming Pool 27 Splash Pad 27 Playground 27 Bob Whelan Field 28 Sloping Field 28 Cabot Theatre 29 AERIAL MAPS 30 REFERENCES/SOURCE 31 2 The Land Archived photo Rudolf Cochius was the original landscape architect who worked in the park for 5 years from 1912-1917. he original area which impression of a small island. which the park was to be Twas later to become In 1911, The Bowring built. The park’s original Bowring Park, was a 50 acre Brothers — an established design and construction, piece of land obtained from and successful business, carried out by Frederick the Newfoundland Govern- Newfoundland trade and Todd and Rudolf H. Cochi- ment in 1847 by William shipping firm in New- us, commenced the fol- Thorburn who, had turned it foundland and the UK lowing year. The Park was into a successful farmland. — commemorated their officially declared open on The Crown Grant Land was 100th business anniversa- July 15, 1914 by His Roy- later leased to the Neville ry in Newfoundland by al Highness the Duke of family who formally named offering the city of St. Connaught who remarked, the property Rae Island John’s a recreational park “May it ever be a source Farm. The farm’s perimeter as a token of appreciation of pleasure and enjoyment was largely encompassed to the local community. to the citizens of St. John's by two main bodies of wa- The firm purchased Rae and to Newfoundland in ter the Waterford River and Island Farm from the Nev- general.” Southbrook River giving the ille family as the land on It is believed that in 3 1583, while exploring New- majesty of this area, the ex- foundland, Sir Humphrey act location of land they ex- Gilbert, was shown by plored cannot be verified. It settlers an area which was has however been suggested May it ever be locally referred to as ‘The over the years that, The Garden. It was described as Garden was at least part of a source of pleasure an untouched, uncultivated what is present day Bow- and enjoyment luscious green area with ring Park. Even if this has to the citizens of St. John’s several rivers and streams not been substantiated, the and to Newfoundland running around it. While mere possibility that this historians have looked at was indeed the park makes in general. written evidence from Sir the descriptions offered by His Royal Highness Gilbert's actual expedition Gilbert and his men quite the Duke of Connaught which extols the beauty and significant. 1 Archived photo Sir Edgar Bowring and the Duke of Connaught July 15th, 1914. 4 1 Historians however have suggested that there is no evidence to support this. The Design To design the Park’s layout and supervise its construction, Sir Edgar Bowring had commissioned world renowned Land- scape Architect, Frederick Todd from Montreal. Todd previously worked for the Frederick Law Olsmstead firm – one of the most not- ed and reputable landscape architecture firms in North America. Though it is said that Todd was officially in charge of the project, it was fellow landscape architect, Rudolf H. Cochius who was responsible for bringing the park’s design to light. Though historically, there has been some debate re- its natural beauty and lush designs, it was evident that garding who specifically scenic landscape. It was their Cochius’ design conformed was to be credited for the hope that the Park’s con- to and revolved around the park’s actual design2 and struction would not only pre- present land topography. layout, most have conclud- serve and maintain the park’s The park’s design involved ed that it was Cochius’ aesthetic value but that its as little alteration to the land handiwork and masterful very design would also adapt as possible. The general aim creativity that spawned the to the landscape itself. This was to build trails, footpaths, atmosphere and design of sentiment was clearly ech- ponds, etc. in a manner that the park. Cochius lived and oed in Cochius’ design of truly incorporated itself into worked in the park from the Park where the landscape the land in a homogeneous, May 1912 - March, 1917, architecture approach was, non-intrusive and non-de- and was in charge of all one of working with the structive manner. This was technical aspects of the terrain and not against it; an also true of trees, shrubs and parks construction. (His- approach that is evident in flowering plants which were cock, 2008/09) His vision many of his other landscape all planted in a manner that and artistry were and, still designs. (Versteeg / Hiscock seamlessly integrated into are, considered to be the 08/09) Unlike certain parks, the park’s natural biodiversi- heart and soul of the park. where the existing landscape ty. Bowrings had purchased could be freely moulded Though its official Rae Island Farm due to and altered to the architects opening was in 1914, the 2 Landscape Architect Ed Versteeg, who has studied Cochius’ work and the creation of the park, insists there is no reason to suppose that anyone other than Fredrick Todd was in charge of the park’s original blue print and design. Cochius was in charge of overseeing all construction and subsequent Landscape design and was under his domain that the park by and by came to life, but the design itself belonged to Todd. This is of great importance seeing that while Cochius name is so well engrained 5 into the parks historical essence – and deservedly so – Todd has become a rather hidden and unknown figure. 1 Historians however have suggested that there is no evidence to support this. Rudolf Cochius The Duck Pond. full implementation and construction of the Park Harry Hamlyn, Park superintendent, 1947 was not completed until “...The aim of the donors was to preserve these gifts 1921 at which point the and beauties of nature as completely as possible and Bowrings formally hand- to this end the removal of trees was carried out only in conform- ed it over to the City of ity with the overall design of providing inviting foot paths... St. John’s. It has been An expert job of horticulture enhanced the forest appeal of the under municipal govern- park and other varieties of trees were planted here and there. ment supervision ever Every effort was expanded to preserve Nature’s handiwork and since. Bowring Park, as to avoid the creation of just another series of botanical gardens. the only large open space Floral displays have, however, been skilfully blended into the of its kind in NL, was wood-land scene...” [ Hamlyn, PGP, pg2] a monumental success from the very beginning, development within the of the park is owed greatly during the summers see- park, illustrated by contin- to Cochius’ botanical vi- ing thousands of visitors uous introduction of new sion which was passed to daily. For many decades, plant life on park grounds, and adopted by his suc- it has been a place for the development and cessors; park supervisors relaxation, scenic walks, maintenance of trails and Alfred Canning (1917) swimming, boating on the footpaths, and the erection and Harry Hamlyn (1941). pond, picnics and many of several statues, mon- Though handed to the St. other cultural and recrea- uments, bridges and oth- John’s Municipality, the tional activities. The en- er attractions. (See Next Bowrings continuously suing decades following Section for Details) Much contributed to the park’s the park’s opening, (1914- of the natural vegetative development both finan- 1940’s), saw tremendous and greenery development cially and culturally. 6 Development Original Design for Bowring Park by Frederick Todd. During the 50’s much report strongly expressed als. — ex; Richard Seypka concern arose regarding the dire need to develop the plan 1982. the increased use of the new area in order to main- The boundary division park and the limited space tain the rustic, tranquil feel between the original and provided for recreational, that Cochius had created. new areas is marked by a sports, cultural and group The document commonly vehicle bridge overlook- activities. This was also referred to as the Van Gin- ing the old railway tracks.4 accompanied by ever in- kel Master Plan, contained The main recreational creasing maintenance costs. comprehensive design and facilities found in the new According to Landscape Ar- layout schematics as well as area; the ball park, swim- chitect G.Van Ginkel, it was a plethora of suggestions for ming pool and playground a City Clerk report in 1956 future development, such as areas were built during the that had driven the Munici- recreational and sport facili- 1960’s mainly by Federal pal government to purchase ties, maintenance, transpor- grant money given for the adjacent estates, farmlands, tation, etc. Over the years ‘beautification’ of munic- etc.3 Since its opening, the different elements of the ipalities across Canada, to original 50 acre land has Plan have been implement- celebrate Canada’s 100th been greatly expanded and ed, depending on financial birthday.