Sho’aríshon (So-ah-ree-son) Park

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Latest Park Updates

Park Renaming

After Staff carried out the process for re-naming a public park, Lincoln Town Council approved the re-naming of Jordan Hollow Park to Sho’aríshon (So-ah-ree-son) Park on June 26, 2023 with the goal to acknowledge and celebrate the Indigenous connections to the land, in particular that of the Neutral Nation.



About Sho’aríshon Park

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 ConditionsExisting ConditionsSho’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.

Approved Park Concept

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) and view from pathway showing park elements such as rock podiums for future public art installations, both temporary and permanent (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) and palisades (with accompanying interpretive signage) will provide historically appropriate cultural forms (right).View from parking lot towards trailhead (left).
Palisades (with accompanying interpretive signage) will provide historically appropriate cultural forms (right).

Public Art Renderings of Two Row Helix by David Beyer and Lilly Otasevic (left) and Water Scroll by Kathryn Corbiere and Sophie Ann Edwards (right)Public Art Installations
Two Row Helix by David Beyer and Lilly Otasevic (left)
Water Scroll by Kathryn Corbiere and Sophie Ann Edwards (right)

Project Funding

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 over 75% of the total project budget.

Twenty Mile Creek Arch Bridge Replacement - Niagara Region

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 in the Fall of 2024 and completion of the park construction by the Spring of 2026.

Latest Park Updates

Park Renaming

After Staff carried out the process for re-naming a public park, Lincoln Town Council approved the re-naming of Jordan Hollow Park to Sho’aríshon (So-ah-ree-son) Park on June 26, 2023 with the goal to acknowledge and celebrate the Indigenous connections to the land, in particular that of the Neutral Nation.



About Sho’aríshon Park

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 ConditionsExisting ConditionsSho’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.

Approved Park Concept

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) and view from pathway showing park elements such as rock podiums for future public art installations, both temporary and permanent (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) and palisades (with accompanying interpretive signage) will provide historically appropriate cultural forms (right).View from parking lot towards trailhead (left).
Palisades (with accompanying interpretive signage) will provide historically appropriate cultural forms (right).

Public Art Renderings of Two Row Helix by David Beyer and Lilly Otasevic (left) and Water Scroll by Kathryn Corbiere and Sophie Ann Edwards (right)Public Art Installations
Two Row Helix by David Beyer and Lilly Otasevic (left)
Water Scroll by Kathryn Corbiere and Sophie Ann Edwards (right)

Project Funding

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 over 75% of the total project budget.

Twenty Mile Creek Arch Bridge Replacement - Niagara Region

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 in the Fall of 2024 and completion of the park construction by the Spring of 2026.

Do you have any questions about Sho’aríshon (So-ah-ree-son) Park?

We welcome your questions and feedback, and will endeavour to reply to you in a timely manner. 

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  • Share When will construction on Sho’aríshon Park begin? What is the estimated date for completion? on Facebook Share When will construction on Sho’aríshon Park begin? What is the estimated date for completion? on Twitter Share When will construction on Sho’aríshon Park begin? What is the estimated date for completion? on Linkedin Email When will construction on Sho’aríshon Park begin? What is the estimated date for completion? link

    When will construction on Sho’aríshon Park begin? What is the estimated date for completion?

    Suzanne Kavanaugh asked 9 months ago

    Park construction will begin in the Spring of 2025 with completion in the Fall of 2025.

  • Share Where are the Washrooms?? They are a MUST Have ! what are the Visitor's to use ? on Facebook Share Where are the Washrooms?? They are a MUST Have ! what are the Visitor's to use ? on Twitter Share Where are the Washrooms?? They are a MUST Have ! what are the Visitor's to use ? on Linkedin Email Where are the Washrooms?? They are a MUST Have ! what are the Visitor's to use ? link

    Where are the Washrooms?? They are a MUST Have ! what are the Visitor's to use ?

    MARACHUAN asked over 1 year ago

    The park has seasonal washrooms, and these will continue to be located in the park. There are multiple year-round public washrooms located in Jordan. After remediation work on the Twenty Valley Trail is completed, the public washrooms will be accessible by foot. 

  • Share Why pave/concrete/wood over greenspace. If this is supposed to be about reconciliation with the Indigenous roots, I'm pretty sure maintaining the greenspace would be more consistent with that objective on Facebook Share Why pave/concrete/wood over greenspace. If this is supposed to be about reconciliation with the Indigenous roots, I'm pretty sure maintaining the greenspace would be more consistent with that objective on Twitter Share Why pave/concrete/wood over greenspace. If this is supposed to be about reconciliation with the Indigenous roots, I'm pretty sure maintaining the greenspace would be more consistent with that objective on Linkedin Email Why pave/concrete/wood over greenspace. If this is supposed to be about reconciliation with the Indigenous roots, I'm pretty sure maintaining the greenspace would be more consistent with that objective link

    Why pave/concrete/wood over greenspace. If this is supposed to be about reconciliation with the Indigenous roots, I'm pretty sure maintaining the greenspace would be more consistent with that objective

    David JENNINGS asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. The Town has worked closely with Indigenous advisors from the inception of this project, and decision-making regarding park design has been Indigenous-led. 

    The project will see the enhancement of the natural space in the park through the inclusion of additional planting and use of native species, many of which have an important connection to Indigenous communities. These species also create important habitat for local pollinators.

    In addition, there will be a rain garden included in the park, which is a green technology that will be used to capture and treat stormwater management. 

  • Share That area already hosts a flea market and parking for the Brucetrail….is more parking spaces part of this plan? It is extremely busy on weekends and when there are Brucetrail hikes planned. Has anyone planning changes been there when it has been busy. on Facebook Share That area already hosts a flea market and parking for the Brucetrail….is more parking spaces part of this plan? It is extremely busy on weekends and when there are Brucetrail hikes planned. Has anyone planning changes been there when it has been busy. on Twitter Share That area already hosts a flea market and parking for the Brucetrail….is more parking spaces part of this plan? It is extremely busy on weekends and when there are Brucetrail hikes planned. Has anyone planning changes been there when it has been busy. on Linkedin Email That area already hosts a flea market and parking for the Brucetrail….is more parking spaces part of this plan? It is extremely busy on weekends and when there are Brucetrail hikes planned. Has anyone planning changes been there when it has been busy. link

    That area already hosts a flea market and parking for the Brucetrail….is more parking spaces part of this plan? It is extremely busy on weekends and when there are Brucetrail hikes planned. Has anyone planning changes been there when it has been busy.

    Jan asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. The Town is currently pursuing ways to enhance parking in the area. We do anticipate increased interest in the park as a destination after the completion of the project, but the improved trail access from Jordan Village will also provide alternate ways for the public to access the park.

  • Share I feel as though the name chosen for this park is not ideal. I've spoken to quite a few local families in vineland and Jordan and we all agree that we will most likely end up calling it 'Jordan Hollow Park' or 'The Park in the Hollow'. It's unfortunate, but the name chosen is honestly hard to pronounce (and remember). To me, and few other local taxpayers, the specific name of Sho’aríshon Park (So-ah-ree-son) doesn't seem relatable. Again, I understand the native ties, however I don't understand what that name relates to. Nor do other locals. Could there not be another option for an easier pronunciation and more obvious connection or our native roots? on Facebook Share I feel as though the name chosen for this park is not ideal. I've spoken to quite a few local families in vineland and Jordan and we all agree that we will most likely end up calling it 'Jordan Hollow Park' or 'The Park in the Hollow'. It's unfortunate, but the name chosen is honestly hard to pronounce (and remember). To me, and few other local taxpayers, the specific name of Sho’aríshon Park (So-ah-ree-son) doesn't seem relatable. Again, I understand the native ties, however I don't understand what that name relates to. Nor do other locals. Could there not be another option for an easier pronunciation and more obvious connection or our native roots? on Twitter Share I feel as though the name chosen for this park is not ideal. I've spoken to quite a few local families in vineland and Jordan and we all agree that we will most likely end up calling it 'Jordan Hollow Park' or 'The Park in the Hollow'. It's unfortunate, but the name chosen is honestly hard to pronounce (and remember). To me, and few other local taxpayers, the specific name of Sho’aríshon Park (So-ah-ree-son) doesn't seem relatable. Again, I understand the native ties, however I don't understand what that name relates to. Nor do other locals. Could there not be another option for an easier pronunciation and more obvious connection or our native roots? on Linkedin Email I feel as though the name chosen for this park is not ideal. I've spoken to quite a few local families in vineland and Jordan and we all agree that we will most likely end up calling it 'Jordan Hollow Park' or 'The Park in the Hollow'. It's unfortunate, but the name chosen is honestly hard to pronounce (and remember). To me, and few other local taxpayers, the specific name of Sho’aríshon Park (So-ah-ree-son) doesn't seem relatable. Again, I understand the native ties, however I don't understand what that name relates to. Nor do other locals. Could there not be another option for an easier pronunciation and more obvious connection or our native roots? link

    I feel as though the name chosen for this park is not ideal. I've spoken to quite a few local families in vineland and Jordan and we all agree that we will most likely end up calling it 'Jordan Hollow Park' or 'The Park in the Hollow'. It's unfortunate, but the name chosen is honestly hard to pronounce (and remember). To me, and few other local taxpayers, the specific name of Sho’aríshon Park (So-ah-ree-son) doesn't seem relatable. Again, I understand the native ties, however I don't understand what that name relates to. Nor do other locals. Could there not be another option for an easier pronunciation and more obvious connection or our native roots?

    K.Lew asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. 

    The proposed name for the park in Jordan Hollow has been developed in consultation with Indigenous advisors and an archaeologist with specialized knowledge of the Neutral Nation. Sho’aríshon is the modern Mohawk spelling of a Neutral Chief from the 1620s. It is one of four words that survives of the Neutral Language. Sho’aríshon translates to "he is shaking the net" in Mohawk, which also references the park's location next to the beautiful Twenty Mile Creek. 

    It is interesting to consider that some common words we use today such as Niagara (Onguiaahra), Canada (Kanata), and Ontario (Kanadario) are all of Indigenous origin. 

    We feel it is important to note that the proposed re-naming relates only to the park in Jordan Hollow, not the geographic Jordan Hollow, which will remain as-is. 

    If you would like to submit written comments about the proposed name change at the Public Meeting on May 23, please do so by emailing clerks@lincoln.ca by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Persons wishing to speak at the Public Meeting are asked to register online by 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023. All written comments and delegation requests will form part of the public record.

  • Share This is all very nice , but how are locals or tourists to enjoy this park when on weekends the parking lot is full of cars for the flea market ? Without proper walking trails connecting Vineland and Jordan the hollow will be a danger to those wishing to access this beautiful park ! on Facebook Share This is all very nice , but how are locals or tourists to enjoy this park when on weekends the parking lot is full of cars for the flea market ? Without proper walking trails connecting Vineland and Jordan the hollow will be a danger to those wishing to access this beautiful park ! on Twitter Share This is all very nice , but how are locals or tourists to enjoy this park when on weekends the parking lot is full of cars for the flea market ? Without proper walking trails connecting Vineland and Jordan the hollow will be a danger to those wishing to access this beautiful park ! on Linkedin Email This is all very nice , but how are locals or tourists to enjoy this park when on weekends the parking lot is full of cars for the flea market ? Without proper walking trails connecting Vineland and Jordan the hollow will be a danger to those wishing to access this beautiful park ! link

    This is all very nice , but how are locals or tourists to enjoy this park when on weekends the parking lot is full of cars for the flea market ? Without proper walking trails connecting Vineland and Jordan the hollow will be a danger to those wishing to access this beautiful park !

    Dan asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. 

    There are a few exciting plans underway at the Town, Niagara Region and Ontario Heritage Trust that will lead to improved access to the park via road and walking trail.

    The Ontario Heritage Trust is currently undertaking work to redevelop the Twenty Valley trail along the Twenty Mile Creek. This work will ultimately result in improved access to the park via the trail system. Visitors will be able to walk from Jordan Village to the park along the trail system.

    In addition, work is beginning at Niagara Region on the King Street Environmental Assessment (EA) in the Jordan Hollow area. They will consider options to improve and enhance vehicular and pedestrian safety in the area through road widening and dedicated active transportation facilities. This will be a multi-year project that will offer the public an opportunity to provide input. The EA work is expected to be completed in summer 2024.

    This will provide linkages to the improved safety and active transportation features in Jordan Village, a Town of Lincoln project that is currently underway. 

    Finally, west of this area, the Region has plans for the reconstruction of King Street through downtown Vineland. Design for this project is underway; construction is currently scheduled for 2024. Please note this is a Niagara Regional project, and timelines are set by the Region, not the Town of Lincoln.

  • Share Why the name change? Wasteful spending for all the signage and miscellaneous small cost that will go with it. I feel the name change makes the park exclusive instead of inclusive. Keep the name. Humble submitted, on Facebook Share Why the name change? Wasteful spending for all the signage and miscellaneous small cost that will go with it. I feel the name change makes the park exclusive instead of inclusive. Keep the name. Humble submitted, on Twitter Share Why the name change? Wasteful spending for all the signage and miscellaneous small cost that will go with it. I feel the name change makes the park exclusive instead of inclusive. Keep the name. Humble submitted, on Linkedin Email Why the name change? Wasteful spending for all the signage and miscellaneous small cost that will go with it. I feel the name change makes the park exclusive instead of inclusive. Keep the name. Humble submitted, link

    Why the name change? Wasteful spending for all the signage and miscellaneous small cost that will go with it. I feel the name change makes the park exclusive instead of inclusive. Keep the name. Humble submitted,

    Leanne Kikkert asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. 

    Jordan Village is a significant site of Indigenous settlement in Southern Ontario, with recent archaeological evidence confirming settlement by the Attawandaron or ‘Neutral Nation’ c.1600 less than .5km from the park! This is an important revelation, and the Town wishes to celebrate and draw attention to this element of its history in order to contribute to a more inclusive community. The park’s location along the Bruce Trail will connect directly with other local history sites including the Lincoln Museum and Ball’s Falls. It will be a wonderful location for all to learn about Lincoln’s history. 

    The redevelopment of the park has been enthusiastically supported by external funders. The Town’s financial commitment represents only 16% of the total project budget. Additionally, a new sign has been slated as part of the redesign of the park, regardless of the name change. 

    If you would like to submit written comments about the proposed name change at the Public Meeting on May 23, please do so by emailing clerks@lincoln.ca by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Persons wishing to speak at the Public Meeting are asked to register online by 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023. All written comments and delegation requests will form part of the public record.

  • Share We are not clear about the pathway or extended road shoulder will allow connection between Brookside and nineteenth street communities we have no way to walk to the hollow it is dangerous either way and there’s literally nowhere safe to walk the 40 dogs in the Brookside area. on Facebook Share We are not clear about the pathway or extended road shoulder will allow connection between Brookside and nineteenth street communities we have no way to walk to the hollow it is dangerous either way and there’s literally nowhere safe to walk the 40 dogs in the Brookside area. on Twitter Share We are not clear about the pathway or extended road shoulder will allow connection between Brookside and nineteenth street communities we have no way to walk to the hollow it is dangerous either way and there’s literally nowhere safe to walk the 40 dogs in the Brookside area. on Linkedin Email We are not clear about the pathway or extended road shoulder will allow connection between Brookside and nineteenth street communities we have no way to walk to the hollow it is dangerous either way and there’s literally nowhere safe to walk the 40 dogs in the Brookside area. link

    We are not clear about the pathway or extended road shoulder will allow connection between Brookside and nineteenth street communities we have no way to walk to the hollow it is dangerous either way and there’s literally nowhere safe to walk the 40 dogs in the Brookside area.

    Joanne asked about 2 years ago

    The Niagara Region is conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) Study over 2022 and 2023 to evaluate alternatives for active transportation connections along the King Street (Regional Road 81) corridor between Vineland and Jordan. At this time there is not an established timeline of when the infrastructure will be constructed.

  • Share Will you be adding some native plants? on Facebook Share Will you be adding some native plants? on Twitter Share Will you be adding some native plants? on Linkedin Email Will you be adding some native plants? link

    Will you be adding some native plants?

    GinaG asked over 3 years ago

    Similar to our response to other questions listed here, the existing trees will be preserved and worked into the final design and a rain garden will be installed adjacent to the parking lot to capture and infiltrate runoff. The rain garden design and plant list has been created with the guidance of Carolinian Canada Coalition. This pilot project will include educational signage that provides information on the plants used as well as the installed monitoring system. All plants, including the trees that were planted in October 2020, will be native to feed local pollinators.

  • Share Would love to see a very natural planting area with native plants and a floral corridor for bees and pollinators and for wildlife. on Facebook Share Would love to see a very natural planting area with native plants and a floral corridor for bees and pollinators and for wildlife. on Twitter Share Would love to see a very natural planting area with native plants and a floral corridor for bees and pollinators and for wildlife. on Linkedin Email Would love to see a very natural planting area with native plants and a floral corridor for bees and pollinators and for wildlife. link

    Would love to see a very natural planting area with native plants and a floral corridor for bees and pollinators and for wildlife.

    Annette asked over 3 years ago

    Similar to our response to other questions listed here, the existing trees will be preserved and worked into the final design and a rain garden will be installed adjacent to the parking lot to capture and infiltrate runoff. The rain garden design and plant list has been created with the guidance of Carolinian Canada Coalition. This pilot project will include educational signage that provides information on the plants used as well as the installed monitoring system. All plants, including the trees that were planted in October 2020, will be native to feed local pollinators.

Page last updated: 19 Nov 2024, 08:51 AM