Willistead Park

The property surrounding Willistead Manor, appropriately named Willistead Park, contains over 300 trees, including Windsor's only persimmon, a tree native to the southern United States. As well, the park boasts a rare Shumard oak, several Kentucky coffee trees, London Plane, Chestnut, European Elm and Tree of Heaven.

In the secluded shade of Willistead Manor courtyard garden, visitors can experience the elegance of a true English garden in the Paul Martin Gardens. Lustrous shades of green are reflected in a number of different shrubs, including Oregon grape, laurel, euonymus, and shiny leafed mahonia. Hot pink, white and red impatiens add sparkle to this quiet, peaceful area.

In 1976, Windsor City Council designated Willistead Park and Manor as an official heritage property. Today, several annual events, including Art in the Park, attract thousands of people to its grounds.

One Windsor resident, Desi Colussi, has donated perennials collected over 30 years to the Paul Martin Gardens. The Nell Martin Rose, a rose developed and dedicated to the late Mrs. Paul Martin is also featured in the gardens. Introduced in 1996, this hybrid-t rose is a luxuriant bloomer with a fragrant red flower. Named in honour of Nell Martin, the wife of the late Honourable Paul Martin, the rose honours a family who contributed significantly to Windsor for the last 40 years.

The Nell Rose was developed by Sheridan Nurseries. It is a Liebeszauber (Kormiach). Rose lovers may purchase these bushes at the annual Parks and Recreation Plant Sale held in May.

Park Pathways:

A series of interconnected pathways loops through the park to enable users to enjoy all Willistead has to offer. The pathways provide a safe, dry and accessible route for walking, jogging, using a wheelchair or pushing a baby stroller. In addition to these pathways, storm drainage has been installed to further enhance the usability and enjoyment of the entire park.

For general information, call 311. For detailed inquiries, please contact:

Parks and Recreation 
2450 McDougall Street 
Windsor, Ontario, Canada, N8X 3N6
Telephone: (519) 253-2300 
Fax: (519) 255-7990
Email: parkrec@citywindsor.ca