We’re touched by the outpouring of concern for the trees in the Halifax Public Gardens. Municipal Parks and Urban Forestry staff are consulting with industry experts and taking appropriate measures to ensure damaged trees have the best chance for recovery.
Mobi mats and beach chairs are now available at Chocolate Lake & Albro Lake. Lifeguards will be on hand to assist, but we ask that individuals bring their own support person and life vest.
To learn more about our adapted equipment, visit .
The Agave Plant has won Gold for "Best Halifamous Person," Silver for "Best Local Character" and Bronze in "Best Thing to Happen in Halifax in the Past Year." Thanks for voting, Halifax!
#boh18
As part of our Parks Capital Projects, we’ve recently completed repairs to the Wave Sculpture on the Halifax Waterfront. Work included concrete repairs and replacement of rubber surfacing.
We’re proud to introduce an incredible new LGBTQ2+public art piece on the Halifax Common – ‘Chosen Family’ by artist Margot Durling. We encourage you to visit the corner of North Park Street and Cogswell Street to admire this work in person. Special thanks to
@YouthProject_NS
!
Did you know the municipality has over 900 parks and 425km of trails to explore? While it’s important to maintain social distancing and follow current restrictions, there are plenty of outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed safely on your own, or with those in your household.
A sure sign of spring, the geese are being returned to Sullivan’s Pond today. Parks staff have a plan in place to make sure the geese are fed and taken care of. Sullivan’s Pond remains closed so please do not enter to visit or feed the geese.
We’re excited to announce that Shirley’s Splashpad (located on the Dartmouth Commons) is now open!
Most days, the splashpad will operate from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. This is a soft opening – there may be some closures for finishing work and adjustments.
More:
Due to the high temperatures, Chocolate Lake, Kearney Lake, Albro Lake Beach and Shubie Beach will all have extended lifeguard supervision until 7 p.m. for today, July 4.
UPDATE: a clarification on municipal trails. Residential pathways that connect streets, multi-use paths along streets that replace sidewalks, and trails in your neighbourhood that are NOT connected to / in a park may be used for exercise only:
Restoration work on the Public Gardens fencing and main gate has been completed. We thank everyone for their patience and encourage you to enjoy the gardens all winter long. Gates will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., barring inclement weather.
If you’re visiting Sullivan’s Pond and notice one of the geese is sitting on a clutch of eggs, please respect her space. This exciting process can take a number of weeks and it’s important we help make her feel as comfortable as possible.
Following the provincial public health update regarding access to playgrounds, all municipal playgrounds are now open effective immediately.
Staff are working to remove caution tape as quickly as possible. Your patience is appreciated during this time.
Looking for a festive outing? Visit the Halifax Public Gardens Holiday Lights! Until Jan. 1 the gardens will be aglow with a trail of holiday lights every evening from 6-9 p.m. Learn more at
Albro Lake Beach is now accessible by way of our new Mobi mats and the Mobi Chair. The Mobi chair is on site for anyone to use while the beach is supervised.
We also have a second Mobi chair available at Chocolate Lake.
We're seeking street mural proposals for the temporary reclaimed space at the intersection of Artillery Place and Queen Street. Application details can be found here:
Our August Plant of the Month is the Popcorn Plant. What makes this plant unique is the smell - when you rub the leaves it gives off a scent just like that of freshly buttered popcorn. You can find this plant in the Halifax Public Gardens.
We’re proud to introduce the new Jumpstart Inclusive Playground at the George Dixon Centre in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.
@CTJumpstart
It is anticipated that the Emera Oval will open by mid-December, weather and ice conditions permitting. Group booking and equipment loans, including skates, helmets, and skate helpers will not be available until further notice. For full details, visit
Please note that all municipal parks, beaches, playgrounds and sports fields/courts, as well as many trails are closed until further notice. Residents who have questions about the status of a trail can call 311.
❄️City Hall Holiday Projection Show❄️
This magical holiday projection show runs every 5 minutes each evening from 5-10 p.m. until January 1st.
Learn more:
Construction on the St. Andrew’s Community Centre has been completed. The new, fully accessible facility includes a community kitchen, indoor playground, art studio, gymnasium & more! Stay tuned for news about our grand opening and visit for details.
The Oval is OPEN for summer fun! Free rentals of rollerblades, bicycles, skateboards, adapted equipment and so much more. Visit our website for the full schedule.
As part of our Parks Capital Projects, two new pickleball courts and a half basketball court have been installed at Northcliffe Recreation Centre Park.
Did you know that equitable access to greenspace can minimize health disparities? Parks & other opportunities for outdoor recreation are an important physical resource for low-income residents. For more information about the benefits of nature, visit
As March Break approaches, we know skating at the Emera Oval is on a lot of to-do lists! As a reminder: we continue to offer 1-hour public skates for up to 300 people, with pre-registration required. There will be six skates per day during March Break.
We’re at Fort Needham Park this morning, celebrating the unveiling of the Halifax Explosion Markers. There are three in the park, with nine more installed throughout HRM.
Progress continues at Dartmouth North Community Centre. The new benches come equipped with the ability to charge your laptop or phone. Check out the new basketball court and playground, too!
Calling all artists! We're looking for artist-led proposals for the design of an original, wall-mounted work of art.
It will be installed in the newly redesigned entranceway to Alderney Gate & the Alderney Gate
@hfxpublib
branch.
Learn more and apply:
In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, 12 commemorative markers will be installed at significantly relevant locations throughout the municipality. 3 of these iconic sculptural markers were installed today in Fort Needham Park.
The Halifax Regional Police Canine unit stopped by the Captain William Spry Community Centre day camps this morning to showcase the amazing skill set their service dogs bring to the team. We can’t wait for their next visit!
@HfxRegPolice
❄️City Hall Holiday Projection Show❄️
This magical, holiday projection show runs every 5 minutes each evening from 5:00pm to 10:00pm until January 1st.
Learn more:
The Emera Oval is expected to open for the 2020-21 winter season on Monday, Jan. 4, weather and ice conditions permitting. Due to COVID-19, skaters must pre-register for public skate times at or 902-490-6666. For details visit
We’re excited to provide opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active with the launch of Rec at Home! You’ll find an ever-growing selection of free online content including arts & crafts, fitness classes, outdoor activities, & more:
All provincial and municipal parks, beaches, playgrounds, sports fields, courts and associated parking lots remain closed. Provincial and municipal trails that are NOT part of a park can be used for exercise purposes, BUT only if you can walk there.
The Daffodil Garden for Cancer survivors is in bloom! More than 20,000 bulbs cover 1,600 square metres on Alderney Drive between the ferry terminal and King's Wharf.
Learn more about this beautiful space by visiting our website:
Join us on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 6-7 p.m. in Grand Parade for the annual Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting! 🎄
Plus, a visit from Santa, fireworks, the premiere of a new projection show on City Hall, and exciting performances! Learn more at
Today would have been the day we gathered to honor the 2020 Halifax Regional Municipality Volunteer Award winners. While we can’t do so in person, we’d like to honour them virtually with a big THANK YOU from us and the communities they serve.
We’re excited to introduce - a free resource that provides self-guided activities along trails & parks!
Sponsored by the Dept of Community Development at Acadia University, the Halifax Municipality & the NS Department of Communities, Culture & Heritage.
Due to warm temperatures, the ice at the Emera Oval may melt faster than in colder months. If you’re scheduled to come skate, please check the schedule before heading out as the Oval may be closed. For more information, visit:
We’re pleased to host the Prince Edward Island (PEI) Canada Winter Games long track speed skating events from Feb. 18-25. The Emera Oval will be closed for public use during this time and will reopen on Feb. 27. For more information, visit
We've launched a new online recreation system, making it easier for you to register for programs online. If you create your new recreation account before August 12, you can be entered to win credit on your account. Visit for more information.
@HalifaxReTales
We have nine planted all together! One at Shubie Park, two at Dillman Park, three at Sullivan's Pond and three at Ferry Terminal Park. - MJP
We're developing a Playing Field Strategy to guide the planning and development of playing fields over the next 15 years. If you use fields for sports, leisure, or other rec activities, share your thoughts by taking our survey at
Today we officially opened a new skate park and basketball courts at Beazley Park! Thanks for joining us
@DarrenFisherNS
@TonyMancini_NS
and students from Caledonia JH.
Create a spring snail from home with Community Recreation Coordinator Katelyn!
Online recreation programming is “use at your own risk” so don’t work beyond your capability & seek help if you need it. If sharing your results, please do so responsibly.
Join us for the TD Dartmouth Christmas Tree Lighting! This year we're back at Sullivan’s Pond featuring fireworks, hot chocolate, music & festive fun. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Visit for the full schedule and details.
Most seasonal park washrooms will open on Saturday May 1, 2022 for daily use between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Have a question or concern about one of our facilities? Call 311 or email contactus
@311
.halifax.ca.
Our nature camps in Shubie Park have been a hit this summer! These exclusively outdoor rain-or-shine camps for kids 5.5-12 offer daily nature activities and hands-on learning opportunities.
Register online at or call 902-490-6666.
Greenspace including parks, natural areas, and community gardens promotes physical activity and decreases the risk of obesity and stress. For tips and resources to help you explore nature throughout the municipality, visit
On Wed, May 29 from 6-8 p.m. we’ll be showcasing our adapted equipment and highlighting accessibility and inclusion services available through Parks & Recreation as part of National Accessibility Week:
@reachAbility_
While regular Neighbourhood Placemaking projects are on hold we're offering a series of Together Apart kits! Our first kits offer free seeds (vegetable or flower seeds as well as full sun or partial shade). Get your gardening tools ready & apply online at .
The Halifax Public Gardens will delay opening today, Jan. 4, for maintenance to icy pathways. Only certain pathways are plowed and lightly salted during winter months, so please use caution when visiting. Maps detailing cleared pathways can be found at the four corner entrances.
Help us clean up faster by STAYING OUT OF POINT PLEASANT PARK. Given its size and multiple access points, it may appear that there was no damage, however there are a number of areas which are unsafe with downed trees. We will advise once Point Pleasant Park has re-opened.
Construction is underway on Shirley’s Splashpad located on the Dartmouth Common with an anticipated opening date of August 1, 2022. Stay tuned for a confirmed opening date as work progresses.
A new outdoor library, renovated landscape, and new play areas are reasons to celebrate! Join us at
#DartmouthNorth
Community Centre and Library on June 29.
Did you know that exposure to greenspace has a restorative effect and can improve your mood?
For tips and resources to help you explore nature throughout the municipality, visit
Join us for the TD Dartmouth Christmas Tree Lighting! This year we're back at Sullivan’s Pond featuring fireworks, hot chocolate, music & festive fun. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Visit for the full schedule and details.
With the first snow on the ground, staff at Bedford Hammonds Plain Community Centre have prepared their inventory of snow shoes for you to borrow.
Recreation centres throughout the municipality also have snowshoes for lending. Contact your local facility to learn more!
Hey Musquodoboit Valley - let us bring the fun to you with a backyard playbox! We pick it up, sanitize, replenish, and loan it to the next family to enjoy! All materials are sanitized before packaging. Free 2 week loan.
Contact 902-384-3008 or mcdowm
@halifax
.ca for delivery.
Please remember that helmets are mandatory at all times when using the Emera Oval. Residents are required to wear a helmet for all wheeled activities whether on public or private lands and roads, skate parks or playgrounds. Learn more at
We’re excited to announce that construction has begun on a new 11,000 sq. ft. Jumpstart Inclusive Playground at the George Dixon Centre Park located on Brunswick St.
We've opened two new basketball courts in Dartmouth! You can find these courts at Sunset Acres Park (Hillsboro Drive) and Landrace Park (Landrace Crescent)
Did you know that greenspaces such as parks, natural areas and community gardens promote physical, mental, and social health and well-being in our communities? Visit for tips and resources to help you explore nature throughout the municipality.
We’re thrilled to take part in the renaming of the Dartmouth Sportsplex to the Zatzman Sportsplex today. They’ll be opening February 18 for NS Heritage Day.
Take advantage of the weather by getting outside for a scavenger hunt in your neighbourhood!
Provincial public health measures must be followed on all municipal properties. Residents are asked to exercise protective measures like regular hand washing and physical distancing.
The Emera Oval will be hosting weekly sensory friendly skates every Monday from 4 to 5 p.m. beginning today.
Visit for our full list of free rental equipment and our public skate schedule.