Grimsby Driving Park
Name/Title
Grimsby Driving ParkEntry/Object ID
P2000-01-05-02-33Description
The first Grimsby Racetrack was located in the vicinity of Fairview Road (then Walter) and Olive Street, in the late 1880s. The venue provided a regulation half mile track for community events, including horse and bicycle racing. The second track, known as Grimsby Driving Park, was constructed in 1895, east of Maple Avenue and north of the railway tracks. In addition to horse racing, fairs and athletic competitions drew large crowds. Admission to the new park with first class grandstands was 25 cents. By 1911, the third Grimsby racetrack was constructed, one again near the site of the first track at Olive and Fairview. In addition, a new 60'x30' grandstand with the capacity to seat 500 spectators, refreshment booths and horse stalls were built to serve the community. On May 10, 1911 the new Grimsby Driving Park opened to rave reviews. More than 1200 people attended the annual Labour Day "Grimsby at Home" event, featuring music, athletics, horse racing, motorcycle racing, parades and clowns from the Barnum & Bailey circus. The races continued during the First World War, however interest in the large popular events started to wane. Most Driving Park charters were revoked in Ontario in the early 1920s to control betting and gambling issues across the province. In August 1921, an estimated 5000-6000 guests attended the final day of entertainment at the Old Driving Park, a day filled with parades, racing and fireworks. The September 7, 1921 issue of The Independent printed "Race Track Gone". On September 1, 1922, following the Old Boys and Girls Reunion, the sod was torn up and construction of the new "Lakeview Gardens" survey began, ending a piece of Grimsby history.Context
Labour Day at Grimsby Driving ParkCollection
Events - Parades & Festivals - ParadesCategory
Events - Miscellaneous