BURLINGTON CULTURAL MAPPING

Step off the Waterfront Trail from Lakeshore Road and become part of the past, present and future of Burlington's heritage. Purchased by the City in 1990, this picturesque park with mature trees is located on the south side of Lakeshore Road, between Appleby and Walkers Line. The park is divided into two distinct areas, the estate lands and the valley walls and flood plain of Shoreacres Creek.

The grounds design reflects estate planning of the 1930's. Designed by Arthur H. Sharpe, the integrity of the historic fabric provides a unique opportunity for historic landscape interpretation. Of significance, is a formal allee of mature sugar maples which lead from the entrance gate to the lake and separates the mansion from a series of three gardens.

Come stroll down the Dofasco Shoreacres Creek Discovery Trail which links to the Waterfront Trail along the western half of the park and catch a glimpse of the caretaker's gatehouse, a converted barn/stable and a dollhouse, once used for children's tea parties. Smell the aroma of flowers from the formal gardens or feel the cool breeze off the lake as you stand along the cobble beach. The open lawn provides a great place to set up your picnic, as you watch the sailboats along the horizon. The flood plain of Shoreacres Creek is one of the only areas left in natural vegetation along the Halton shoreline of Lake Ontario.

Once owned by Laura Secord (granted to her in 1809 by the Crown), the property had numerous owners until it was purchased in 1912, by a prominent Cyrus Albert Birge. On Birge's death the estate passed to his daughter, who built a mansion on the grounds.