Bob Hunter Memorial Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bob Hunter Memorial Park |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Location | Ontario, Canada |
Nearest city | Markham |
Area | 500 acres (200 ha) |
Established | August 2006 |
Administrator | Regional Municipality of York |
Bob Hunter Memorial Park is a special green space in Markham, Ontario, Canada. It's like a big natural area where you can explore and enjoy nature. The park is named after Robert Hunter, who was one of the people who started the famous environmental group, Greenpeace. The park officially opened in August 2006. It was opened by Dalton McGuinty, who was the Premier of Ontario at the time.
Discover Bob Hunter Memorial Park
This park covers about 500 acres (200 hectares) of land owned by the province. It sits on the western edge of the Rouge River valley. The park is surrounded by different landmarks. To the north, you'll find Ontario Highway 407. To the south is Steeles Avenue East. The Little Rouge Creek is to the east. And to the west, there's the Canadian Pacific Railway line.
Who Was Bob Hunter?
Robert Hunter was a journalist and environmental activist. He was one of the original members who founded Greenpeace. Greenpeace is a global organization that works to protect our planet. They focus on issues like climate change, deforestation, and nuclear power. Naming the park after him honors his dedication to nature.
What's Happening at the Park?
The city of Markham has a plan to make the park even more natural. They want to turn old farm fields back into wild areas. This includes planting special trees called Carolinian forests. These forests are unique to a certain part of North America.
In the spring of 2011, about 25 hectares (62 acres) of new forest were planted. That's a lot of trees! In the summer of 2011, another project began. This project aimed to create a beautiful meadow on land that used to be used for farming.
The park was scheduled to fully open in 2015. When it's complete, it will have many exciting features. You'll find trails for hiking and biking. There will also be a special nature trail to explore. Plus, they are restoring wetlands and planting more native woodlands. This will make the park a wonderful place for both people and wildlife.