Garden Hill Park
The fountain located on Garden Hill Avenue has a number of significant structural and mechanical problems and is not operable in its current condition.
The City of Moncton is committed to consulting with the neighbourhood on the fountain’s future.⛲
History
- The park was added and the fountain constructed in 1965 after an underground water storage tank was installed at the site.
- The fountain’s distinct feature is four concrete lions.
Current situation
- The concrete structure is degraded and cracked and should be replaced.
- The electrical system is in poor condition and needs to be replaced to be brought up to code.
- The water service system is leaking and the drain has collapsed.
- An engineering assessment recommended that the fountain either be removed or replaced.
- Repair was not recommended. The cost of repairs is close to the cost of replacement and, given the age of the structure, there would likely be ongoing issues.
- The fountain is built over an old water reservoir which supplies water to the Highfield Pumping Station. A water system master plan is scheduled to be completed in 2027 and will determine if and how the reservoir will continue to be used. Any timelines for work in the park will need to take this into account. If the master plan was to recommend the reservoir be removed or upgraded, work at the park will need to be scheduled to coordinate with work on the reservoir.
What’s next?
- Once recommendations from the water master plan are known and Council adopts the plan, the City will engage with the neighbourhood to determine the future of the park. Some options might be:
- replacing the fountain with a replica of the current structure, salvaging as much of the original structure as possible
- building a new fountain with a new design
- removing the fountain and building other infrastructure (e.g. a playground, a splash pad, etc.)
- These are not the only options: the aim of the consultation will be to find out what you would like to see happen!
- The engagement may not take place until late 2027 or early 2028, as plans for the park need to be developed in conjunction with the water system master plan.
- Once a plan has been developed, funding for the project will need to be allocated through the City’s annual capital works budget.
Stay up to date
- Updates and opportunities to share your thoughts will be posted to this page.
Neighbourhood parks help definite the character of our neighbourhoods; they are important places to gather and to play. We look forward to hearing your ideas for your local park!🌳
The fountain located on Garden Hill Avenue has a number of significant structural and mechanical problems and is not operable in its current condition.
The City of Moncton is committed to consulting with the neighbourhood on the fountain’s future.⛲
History
- The park was added and the fountain constructed in 1965 after an underground water storage tank was installed at the site.
- The fountain’s distinct feature is four concrete lions.
Current situation
- The concrete structure is degraded and cracked and should be replaced.
- The electrical system is in poor condition and needs to be replaced to be brought up to code.
- The water service system is leaking and the drain has collapsed.
- An engineering assessment recommended that the fountain either be removed or replaced.
- Repair was not recommended. The cost of repairs is close to the cost of replacement and, given the age of the structure, there would likely be ongoing issues.
- The fountain is built over an old water reservoir which supplies water to the Highfield Pumping Station. A water system master plan is scheduled to be completed in 2027 and will determine if and how the reservoir will continue to be used. Any timelines for work in the park will need to take this into account. If the master plan was to recommend the reservoir be removed or upgraded, work at the park will need to be scheduled to coordinate with work on the reservoir.
What’s next?
- Once recommendations from the water master plan are known and Council adopts the plan, the City will engage with the neighbourhood to determine the future of the park. Some options might be:
- replacing the fountain with a replica of the current structure, salvaging as much of the original structure as possible
- building a new fountain with a new design
- removing the fountain and building other infrastructure (e.g. a playground, a splash pad, etc.)
- These are not the only options: the aim of the consultation will be to find out what you would like to see happen!
- The engagement may not take place until late 2027 or early 2028, as plans for the park need to be developed in conjunction with the water system master plan.
- Once a plan has been developed, funding for the project will need to be allocated through the City’s annual capital works budget.
Stay up to date
- Updates and opportunities to share your thoughts will be posted to this page.
Neighbourhood parks help definite the character of our neighbourhoods; they are important places to gather and to play. We look forward to hearing your ideas for your local park!🌳
Questions
Questions or comments?
Submit any questions or comments relating to this project, and the team will respond, either publicly or privately, depending on the nature of the question.
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Share Just saying, someone mentioned a Christmas tree, I do remember that, yet could there not be actual little trees in there (shrubs?) There are at-risk animals like Monarchs and aerial insectivores (nighthawks, swifts) in the park, so they'd be using this installation a lot. There could be soil and drainage holes on the side? Thinking of edible serviceberries, which are already quite popular in the neighborhood. Other native and non poisonous/invasive plants in there would be great too. Would beautify the park I think? There's already water down there to water it, which is a big deal in any garden on Facebook Share Just saying, someone mentioned a Christmas tree, I do remember that, yet could there not be actual little trees in there (shrubs?) There are at-risk animals like Monarchs and aerial insectivores (nighthawks, swifts) in the park, so they'd be using this installation a lot. There could be soil and drainage holes on the side? Thinking of edible serviceberries, which are already quite popular in the neighborhood. Other native and non poisonous/invasive plants in there would be great too. Would beautify the park I think? There's already water down there to water it, which is a big deal in any garden on X (formerly Twitter) Share Just saying, someone mentioned a Christmas tree, I do remember that, yet could there not be actual little trees in there (shrubs?) There are at-risk animals like Monarchs and aerial insectivores (nighthawks, swifts) in the park, so they'd be using this installation a lot. There could be soil and drainage holes on the side? Thinking of edible serviceberries, which are already quite popular in the neighborhood. Other native and non poisonous/invasive plants in there would be great too. Would beautify the park I think? There's already water down there to water it, which is a big deal in any garden on Linkedin Email Just saying, someone mentioned a Christmas tree, I do remember that, yet could there not be actual little trees in there (shrubs?) There are at-risk animals like Monarchs and aerial insectivores (nighthawks, swifts) in the park, so they'd be using this installation a lot. There could be soil and drainage holes on the side? Thinking of edible serviceberries, which are already quite popular in the neighborhood. Other native and non poisonous/invasive plants in there would be great too. Would beautify the park I think? There's already water down there to water it, which is a big deal in any garden link
Just saying, someone mentioned a Christmas tree, I do remember that, yet could there not be actual little trees in there (shrubs?) There are at-risk animals like Monarchs and aerial insectivores (nighthawks, swifts) in the park, so they'd be using this installation a lot. There could be soil and drainage holes on the side? Thinking of edible serviceberries, which are already quite popular in the neighborhood. Other native and non poisonous/invasive plants in there would be great too. Would beautify the park I think? There's already water down there to water it, which is a big deal in any garden
SamL asked about 1 month agoThank you for your feedback about Garden Hill Park! We have collected it as part of our engagement process.
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Share I strongly support preserving the unique character of Garden Hill Park and its fountain. The fountain, mature landscaping, and historical elements are an important part of the neighbourhood's identity and should remain the focal point of any improvements. Any revitalization should restore and enhance these features rather than replace or overshadow them. Over the past decade, the neighbourhood has experienced significant renewal. Many new families have chosen to make Garden Hill their home and have invested substantially in restoring and improving their properties. A key reason people are attracted to this area is its historic character, walkability, and sense of place. The park plays a central role in maintaining that identity. I also believe the park should retain its current function as a passive neighbourhood green space rather than being transformed into a destination playground or splash pad. Adding large play structures or a splash pad would fundamentally change the park's character and the experience it offers. Today, children, including mine, already make excellent use of the space by borrowing toys from the community toy box, playing soccer, riding their bikes, and enjoying the open lawn together. This type of unstructured play is valuable and complements the park's peaceful atmosphere. If the City wishes to expand children's recreational amenities, I believe the park at the bottom of Highfield would be a much more appropriate location. It has greater potential to accommodate updated play equipment or a splash pad without compromising the historic character of Garden Hill Park. Garden Hill Park is special because it is different. I encourage the City to preserve its historical significance, restore its existing features with care, and ensure that future improvements respect the heritage and character that residents value so highly. on Facebook Share I strongly support preserving the unique character of Garden Hill Park and its fountain. The fountain, mature landscaping, and historical elements are an important part of the neighbourhood's identity and should remain the focal point of any improvements. Any revitalization should restore and enhance these features rather than replace or overshadow them. Over the past decade, the neighbourhood has experienced significant renewal. Many new families have chosen to make Garden Hill their home and have invested substantially in restoring and improving their properties. A key reason people are attracted to this area is its historic character, walkability, and sense of place. The park plays a central role in maintaining that identity. I also believe the park should retain its current function as a passive neighbourhood green space rather than being transformed into a destination playground or splash pad. Adding large play structures or a splash pad would fundamentally change the park's character and the experience it offers. Today, children, including mine, already make excellent use of the space by borrowing toys from the community toy box, playing soccer, riding their bikes, and enjoying the open lawn together. This type of unstructured play is valuable and complements the park's peaceful atmosphere. If the City wishes to expand children's recreational amenities, I believe the park at the bottom of Highfield would be a much more appropriate location. It has greater potential to accommodate updated play equipment or a splash pad without compromising the historic character of Garden Hill Park. Garden Hill Park is special because it is different. I encourage the City to preserve its historical significance, restore its existing features with care, and ensure that future improvements respect the heritage and character that residents value so highly. on X (formerly Twitter) Share I strongly support preserving the unique character of Garden Hill Park and its fountain. The fountain, mature landscaping, and historical elements are an important part of the neighbourhood's identity and should remain the focal point of any improvements. Any revitalization should restore and enhance these features rather than replace or overshadow them. Over the past decade, the neighbourhood has experienced significant renewal. Many new families have chosen to make Garden Hill their home and have invested substantially in restoring and improving their properties. A key reason people are attracted to this area is its historic character, walkability, and sense of place. The park plays a central role in maintaining that identity. I also believe the park should retain its current function as a passive neighbourhood green space rather than being transformed into a destination playground or splash pad. Adding large play structures or a splash pad would fundamentally change the park's character and the experience it offers. Today, children, including mine, already make excellent use of the space by borrowing toys from the community toy box, playing soccer, riding their bikes, and enjoying the open lawn together. This type of unstructured play is valuable and complements the park's peaceful atmosphere. If the City wishes to expand children's recreational amenities, I believe the park at the bottom of Highfield would be a much more appropriate location. It has greater potential to accommodate updated play equipment or a splash pad without compromising the historic character of Garden Hill Park. Garden Hill Park is special because it is different. I encourage the City to preserve its historical significance, restore its existing features with care, and ensure that future improvements respect the heritage and character that residents value so highly. on Linkedin Email I strongly support preserving the unique character of Garden Hill Park and its fountain. The fountain, mature landscaping, and historical elements are an important part of the neighbourhood's identity and should remain the focal point of any improvements. Any revitalization should restore and enhance these features rather than replace or overshadow them. Over the past decade, the neighbourhood has experienced significant renewal. Many new families have chosen to make Garden Hill their home and have invested substantially in restoring and improving their properties. A key reason people are attracted to this area is its historic character, walkability, and sense of place. The park plays a central role in maintaining that identity. I also believe the park should retain its current function as a passive neighbourhood green space rather than being transformed into a destination playground or splash pad. Adding large play structures or a splash pad would fundamentally change the park's character and the experience it offers. Today, children, including mine, already make excellent use of the space by borrowing toys from the community toy box, playing soccer, riding their bikes, and enjoying the open lawn together. This type of unstructured play is valuable and complements the park's peaceful atmosphere. If the City wishes to expand children's recreational amenities, I believe the park at the bottom of Highfield would be a much more appropriate location. It has greater potential to accommodate updated play equipment or a splash pad without compromising the historic character of Garden Hill Park. Garden Hill Park is special because it is different. I encourage the City to preserve its historical significance, restore its existing features with care, and ensure that future improvements respect the heritage and character that residents value so highly. link
I strongly support preserving the unique character of Garden Hill Park and its fountain. The fountain, mature landscaping, and historical elements are an important part of the neighbourhood's identity and should remain the focal point of any improvements. Any revitalization should restore and enhance these features rather than replace or overshadow them. Over the past decade, the neighbourhood has experienced significant renewal. Many new families have chosen to make Garden Hill their home and have invested substantially in restoring and improving their properties. A key reason people are attracted to this area is its historic character, walkability, and sense of place. The park plays a central role in maintaining that identity. I also believe the park should retain its current function as a passive neighbourhood green space rather than being transformed into a destination playground or splash pad. Adding large play structures or a splash pad would fundamentally change the park's character and the experience it offers. Today, children, including mine, already make excellent use of the space by borrowing toys from the community toy box, playing soccer, riding their bikes, and enjoying the open lawn together. This type of unstructured play is valuable and complements the park's peaceful atmosphere. If the City wishes to expand children's recreational amenities, I believe the park at the bottom of Highfield would be a much more appropriate location. It has greater potential to accommodate updated play equipment or a splash pad without compromising the historic character of Garden Hill Park. Garden Hill Park is special because it is different. I encourage the City to preserve its historical significance, restore its existing features with care, and ensure that future improvements respect the heritage and character that residents value so highly.
Frank asked about 1 month agoThank you for your feedback about Garden Hill Park! We have collected it as part of our engagement process.
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Share Definitely need to restore the fountain, we tear up too much of this city's character and replace it with garbage construction already. We need to stop diminishing the city's character for the sake of convenience and NIMBYS. on Facebook Share Definitely need to restore the fountain, we tear up too much of this city's character and replace it with garbage construction already. We need to stop diminishing the city's character for the sake of convenience and NIMBYS. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Definitely need to restore the fountain, we tear up too much of this city's character and replace it with garbage construction already. We need to stop diminishing the city's character for the sake of convenience and NIMBYS. on Linkedin Email Definitely need to restore the fountain, we tear up too much of this city's character and replace it with garbage construction already. We need to stop diminishing the city's character for the sake of convenience and NIMBYS. link
Definitely need to restore the fountain, we tear up too much of this city's character and replace it with garbage construction already. We need to stop diminishing the city's character for the sake of convenience and NIMBYS.
Jason Lorette asked over 1 year agoThanks for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate that people in the neighbourhood are very connected to that lovely green space! We look forward to hearing more from area residents when we receive the water master plan and are able to plan next steps for the park.
Aloma
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Share I would like to see the fountain replaced similar to Victoria Park when the fountain was replaced there. The fountain has been part of the community for 60 years. Green spaces and fountains benefit mental health. The lions on the cement wall of the fountain are significant as well to the history of the park. I am also concerned with the removal two weeks ago of the Garden Hill Park lighting. One light post fell but all four were removed hopefully for maintenance and to be returned.This is a safety issue for park users walking in the neighborhood at night. on Facebook Share I would like to see the fountain replaced similar to Victoria Park when the fountain was replaced there. The fountain has been part of the community for 60 years. Green spaces and fountains benefit mental health. The lions on the cement wall of the fountain are significant as well to the history of the park. I am also concerned with the removal two weeks ago of the Garden Hill Park lighting. One light post fell but all four were removed hopefully for maintenance and to be returned.This is a safety issue for park users walking in the neighborhood at night. on X (formerly Twitter) Share I would like to see the fountain replaced similar to Victoria Park when the fountain was replaced there. The fountain has been part of the community for 60 years. Green spaces and fountains benefit mental health. The lions on the cement wall of the fountain are significant as well to the history of the park. I am also concerned with the removal two weeks ago of the Garden Hill Park lighting. One light post fell but all four were removed hopefully for maintenance and to be returned.This is a safety issue for park users walking in the neighborhood at night. on Linkedin Email I would like to see the fountain replaced similar to Victoria Park when the fountain was replaced there. The fountain has been part of the community for 60 years. Green spaces and fountains benefit mental health. The lions on the cement wall of the fountain are significant as well to the history of the park. I am also concerned with the removal two weeks ago of the Garden Hill Park lighting. One light post fell but all four were removed hopefully for maintenance and to be returned.This is a safety issue for park users walking in the neighborhood at night. link
I would like to see the fountain replaced similar to Victoria Park when the fountain was replaced there. The fountain has been part of the community for 60 years. Green spaces and fountains benefit mental health. The lions on the cement wall of the fountain are significant as well to the history of the park. I am also concerned with the removal two weeks ago of the Garden Hill Park lighting. One light post fell but all four were removed hopefully for maintenance and to be returned.This is a safety issue for park users walking in the neighborhood at night.
Mewster asked over 1 year agoHi there,
Thank you for your feedback.
We will pass this along to the team for their consideration.
Kind regards,
Michelle -
Share What is the capacity of the water storage resevoir under Garden Hill Park? on Facebook Share What is the capacity of the water storage resevoir under Garden Hill Park? on X (formerly Twitter) Share What is the capacity of the water storage resevoir under Garden Hill Park? on Linkedin Email What is the capacity of the water storage resevoir under Garden Hill Park? link
What is the capacity of the water storage resevoir under Garden Hill Park?
Spicer asked over 1 year agoHi there,
The reservoir can hold up to four million gallons of water (that's about 15 million litres).
Kind regards.
Michelle -
Share Some of the things that attracted me to this neighborhood originally were the heritage homes and the fountain with park space. It would be great to see the fountain restored in an era of demos and rebuilds that are slowly erasing the character of the area; there’s already been a nice addition of the playground at the end of Highfield. on Facebook Share Some of the things that attracted me to this neighborhood originally were the heritage homes and the fountain with park space. It would be great to see the fountain restored in an era of demos and rebuilds that are slowly erasing the character of the area; there’s already been a nice addition of the playground at the end of Highfield. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Some of the things that attracted me to this neighborhood originally were the heritage homes and the fountain with park space. It would be great to see the fountain restored in an era of demos and rebuilds that are slowly erasing the character of the area; there’s already been a nice addition of the playground at the end of Highfield. on Linkedin Email Some of the things that attracted me to this neighborhood originally were the heritage homes and the fountain with park space. It would be great to see the fountain restored in an era of demos and rebuilds that are slowly erasing the character of the area; there’s already been a nice addition of the playground at the end of Highfield. link
Some of the things that attracted me to this neighborhood originally were the heritage homes and the fountain with park space. It would be great to see the fountain restored in an era of demos and rebuilds that are slowly erasing the character of the area; there’s already been a nice addition of the playground at the end of Highfield.
asked almost 2 years agoYou do have a beautiful neighbourhood – love that you are taking that into consideration!
Aloma
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Share The lions would be missed, is there a way to incorporate them into a playground with splash pad? This fountain has been used by children and pets to swim in, even though the signs say not to. A splash pad would be safer. on Facebook Share The lions would be missed, is there a way to incorporate them into a playground with splash pad? This fountain has been used by children and pets to swim in, even though the signs say not to. A splash pad would be safer. on X (formerly Twitter) Share The lions would be missed, is there a way to incorporate them into a playground with splash pad? This fountain has been used by children and pets to swim in, even though the signs say not to. A splash pad would be safer. on Linkedin Email The lions would be missed, is there a way to incorporate them into a playground with splash pad? This fountain has been used by children and pets to swim in, even though the signs say not to. A splash pad would be safer. link
The lions would be missed, is there a way to incorporate them into a playground with splash pad? This fountain has been used by children and pets to swim in, even though the signs say not to. A splash pad would be safer.
Fanny asked almost 2 years agoWe’ve been hearing lots of interesting suggestions and ideas – it’s great to see how much residents care about this park! We look forward to the chance to meet with people in the neighbourhood down the road to develop a plan.
Aloma
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Share I'd like to see the fountain fixed, as a way to maintain Moncton's character. on Facebook Share I'd like to see the fountain fixed, as a way to maintain Moncton's character. on X (formerly Twitter) Share I'd like to see the fountain fixed, as a way to maintain Moncton's character. on Linkedin Email I'd like to see the fountain fixed, as a way to maintain Moncton's character. link
I'd like to see the fountain fixed, as a way to maintain Moncton's character.
Anonymous asked almost 2 years agoThat’s an important consideration – thanks for the feedback!
Aloma
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Share A space where kids can play would be a better use of money and space then a fountain! I don’t have a preference on what that would be exactly, just not a fountain! on Facebook Share A space where kids can play would be a better use of money and space then a fountain! I don’t have a preference on what that would be exactly, just not a fountain! on X (formerly Twitter) Share A space where kids can play would be a better use of money and space then a fountain! I don’t have a preference on what that would be exactly, just not a fountain! on Linkedin Email A space where kids can play would be a better use of money and space then a fountain! I don’t have a preference on what that would be exactly, just not a fountain! link
A space where kids can play would be a better use of money and space then a fountain! I don’t have a preference on what that would be exactly, just not a fountain!
AliciaC asked almost 2 years agoThanks for your comment – we look forward to hearing more from residents about the best fit for that space.
Aloma
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Share I would prefer the fountain to be fixed :( on Facebook Share I would prefer the fountain to be fixed :( on X (formerly Twitter) Share I would prefer the fountain to be fixed :( on Linkedin Email I would prefer the fountain to be fixed :( link
I would prefer the fountain to be fixed :(
Anonymous asked almost 2 years agoAppreciate the feedback – please keep an eye out for future engagement opportunities – we’d like to hear from everyone!
Aloma
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Email recreation@moncton.ca -
Email letschat@moncton.ca

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