Harewood Centennial Park

Located in the heart of the welcoming city of Nanaimo, Harewood Centennial Park is a prime example of how a modern public space can blend history, sports, and inclusivity. This popular park in Canada occupies a vast territory that once belonged to the Snuneymuxw people and is today a favorite meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.

The park's crowning jewel is its inclusive playground, opened after an extensive renovation. It features specialized swings, an "Orbit" spinning platform, and safe rubber surfacing, making play accessible to children of all physical abilities. In addition to play areas, the park is known for its professional sports fields, the Sherry Sports Fields, where you can catch football and lacrosse matches under modern LED floodlights.

The integration of Indigenous art adds a special charm to the park. While walking the trails, visitors can see works by First Nation artists depicting salmon and young skaters, symbolizing the connection between generations and respect for the region's pre-industrial past. It is not just a place for a stroll, but a true cultural and sporting cluster that brings together a youth skate park, a water park, and picturesque family picnic areas.

To check event details or book sports facilities, you can contact the park administration directly. Harewood Centennial Park is managed by the city authorities, and the most up-to-date information is always available through their resources.

In this park, everyone will find something to enjoy, from extreme sports to peaceful nature contemplation. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the mountain bike park with trails for beginners and the modern skate park featuring a kidney-shaped bowl. For those who prefer team games, there are facilities for lacrosse and tennis, as well as artificial turf football fields.

Families with children should definitely visit the local water park, which becomes a focal point on hot summer days. The inclusive playground with its unique attractions allows all children to play together without barriers. The park also regularly hosts summer programs and community events, turning it into a lively and bustling public square.

If you are looking for tranquility, take a walk along the trails lined with interpretive signs sharing historical facts about the Harewood settlement. Here, you can enjoy a picnic at one of the specially equipped areas while admiring Indigenous artwork and soaking in the atmosphere of a park campus that seamlessly connects nature and urban life.

Getting to this popular recreation spot in Nanaimo is quite easy thanks to its central location. Harewood Centennial Park is located at 740 Howard Ave, right next to John Barsby Community School. For those traveling by car, there is ample parking with convenient access from Howard Avenue.

If you are using public transport, take advantage of the BC Transit services. Nanaimo bus routes have stops within a few minutes' walk of the park gates. For those who prefer walking, the trip from the heart of the Harewood neighborhood takes between 10 and 20 minutes along well-maintained sidewalks.

Tourists arriving in the city via Nanaimo Airport or the ferry terminal can reach the park by taxi or rental car in about 15–20 minutes by following Hwy 19. The facility's infrastructure is designed to be easily accessible for people with disabilities and cyclists.

The history of this land is deeply intertwined with the industrial past of British Columbia. It all began in April 1850, when rich coal deposits were discovered in Nanaimo. The Harewood area gradually grew into a mining settlement, likely taking its name from the family of the Earl of Harewood in the early 20th century.

Interestingly, the park was originally established as a recreational area specifically for the coal company workers. A magnificent cricket and football pitch was created here with first-class turf, meticulously maintained by the local groundskeeper, Robert Hilton. In the 1920s, the area hosted lively Empire Day celebrations, featuring exciting horse races.

Traces of the area's agricultural past can still be seen: in 1910, the Dickinson family built a dairy barn here, which supplied local residents with fresh milk and butter. It wasn't until 1975 that the land officially came under city management, beginning its transformation from mining grounds into a modern, multi-functional community hub.

If you just want to stroll along the paths and look around the grounds, 1 hour will be enough. However, Harewood Centennial Park offers so many activities that most visitors prefer to stay for 2–4 hours, especially if they are visiting with children or planning to play sports.

If your goal is active recreation such as cycling, playing football, or having a long picnic in the shade of the trees, feel free to set aside half a day. Time flies by given the variety of play areas and the opportunity to watch local sports competitions on the professional fields.

Harewood Centennial Park warmly welcomes visitors every day. You can plan your visit any day of the week, as the facility operates on a convenient schedule:

Monday – Sunday: 06:00 to 23:00. Please note that the sports fields are illuminated by LED floodlights in the evening, allowing for sports activities until closing time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the operating hours of specific sections (such as the water park) on the city's official website, as they may vary by season.

The area surrounding the park offers a chance to explore the city's industrial heritage and charming corners. A stroll through the adjacent neighborhoods will help you get a better feel for the Vancouver Island atmosphere and see how history blends with modern life.