Thurston Park

Named in honour of Ford Thurston, a former Sandwich East police chief and the first president of the Sandwich East Kiwanis Club, Thurston Park was established in 1969 and subsequently expanded in 1970. Interestingly, the park was planned before the approximately 300 residential lots in the area were developed. When residential construction began, the Department of Parks and Recreation required the developer to deposit any excavated soil to be used at the park site, an arrangement that saw Thurston Park emerge as the first city park with rolling hills. Not surprisingly, tobogganing is a popular winter activity at the park. During warmer weather, a variety of playground equipment is available, including a creative play unit.