Sho’aríshon (So-ah-ree-son) Park is located at 3039 King St, Jordan, in Ward 3. The park currently features a gravel parking lot and 1.19 acres of greenspace. It is used as a passive space and as a trail access point to the Twenty Valley Trail and Bruce Trail. This site has an important and rich cultural history related to Indigenous inhabitation of the land, and in particular to an Iroquoian-speaking confederation of tribes known as the Neutral Nation who lived in the vicinity around 1600.

In partnership with a group of Indigenous advisors and environmental stakeholders as well as design consultants, the Town is leading the development of a park enhancement plan for the site which is currently in the detailed design stage.

Existing Conditions

Sho’aríshon (So-ah-ree-son) Park will undergo redevelopment with the goals of:

• Creating a welcoming and inclusive space;
• Acknowledging and celebrating Indigenous connections to the land, in particular that of the Neutral Nation;
• Supporting ecological health; and
• Becoming a distinct feature within the Town of Lincoln’s ‘Cultural Corridor'.

The Town is committed to Reconciliation and renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Developing this this park so that it recognizes the history and culture of Indigenous peoples, as well as their connection to the land, is part of the Town of Lincoln's strategy to increase inclusion and access for all residents and contribute to the process of Reconciliation.

The final design concept was presented to Town of Lincoln Council at the April 25th, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting. See Report CS-07-22 and corresponding presentation.

The park's design incorporates the following elements:

• A rain garden including native plant species, educational signage and monitoring well;
• Rest and comfort areas including permanent shade and table seating;
• Berms for a dynamic landscape and a longhouse structure for performances and gatherings;
• Elements to support active transportation including new pathways, an enhanced Bruce Trail connection, future trail connection opportunities, bicycle parking and repair station;
• Trees, plantings and new park signage
• Garbage and recycling receptacles;
• Architectural features inspired by cultural forms including a palisade and longhouse; and
• Interpretive storytelling signage and evolving art installations opportunities including rock podiums.

View from park entrance (left). A contemporary interpretation of longhouse structure will provide shade and a programming space (right).

Natural slope to longhouse structure, creating a natural amphitheatre effect (left). View along pathway showing park elements such as rock podiums for future public art installations, both temporary and permanent (right).

View from parking lot towards trailhead (left). Palisades (with accompanying interpretive signage) will provide historically appropriate cultural forms (right).

Public Art Installations

Two Row Helix by David Beyer and Lilly Otasevic (left). Water Scroll by Kathryn Corbiere and Sophie Ann Edwards (right).

Funding for the Park was approved by Town of Lincoln Council in December 2019. Since 2020, Town of Lincoln Staff and project partners have submitted funding applications to regional, provincial, and national agencies to increase the project budget.

The Town of Lincoln has secured funding for this project from a number of sources including the Government of Canada, Niagara Region, Greenbelt Foundation, and Niagara Community Foundation. External funding represents 84% of the total project budget.

The Niagara Region will be replacing the Twenty Mile Creek Arch Bridge as well as widening it on both sides of the existing roadway and adding a multi-use trail on the north side of the bridge. The pathway under the existing bridge will be maintained, and will provide safe pedestrian access between the north and south side of Regional Road 81. Regional staff presented a project update to Town of Lincoln Council at the April 25th Committee of the Whole meeting. See corresponding presentation.

The anticipated timeline includes the bridge construction commencing early 2025 and completion of the park construction by the the end of 2026.