{"id":395698891,"date":"2016-10-03T12:26:00","date_gmt":"2016-10-03T17:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winnipegfreepress.com\/our-communities\/metro\/2016\/10\/03\/discovering-tom-chester-park"},"modified":"2016-10-03T12:30:45","modified_gmt":"2016-10-03T17:30:45","slug":"discovering-tom-chester-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winnipegfreepress.com\/our-communities\/metro\/2016\/10\/03\/discovering-tom-chester-park","title":{"rendered":"Discovering Tom Chester Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a two-week staycation, it was back to work on Monday, and with a busy week ahead, I started with great enthusiasm. However, that enthusiasm quickly waned, and before long, all work came to a complete standstill.<\/p>\n

The problem was I could hear the world beyond my window, and yearned to be outside in the autumn weather. <\/p>\n

Eventually, I found myself on William R. Clement Parkway between Roblin Boulevard and Grant Avenue. I’ve driven the Parkway many times before, but never stopped to explore the green space on either side. In fact, I didn’t even know the area was called Tom Chester Park.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Jenny\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Jenny Gates\nThe Grant Avenue entrance to Tom Chester Park.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n

“Who is Tom Chester?” you might ask. <\/p>\n

According to information gleaned from various online resources (including the Winnipeg Free Press and the Manitoba Historical Society), Chester was the resident golf professional at the Charleswood Golf Club from 1932 to 1974. When the club closed down, the area was converted to a park and, after Tom died in 2002, the city decided to name the park after him.<\/p>\n

Given its location, Tom Chester Park is a ‘drive through’ for most of us, either on the way to and from work, shops and restaurants, or to a myriad of other destinations in and out of the city. <\/p>\n

Despite the fact the park is bordered by homes and businesses and divided in two by a major thoroughfare, parts of it are surprisingly quiet.<\/p>\n

On that chilly Monday morning, I revelled in all manner of colour and curiosities. I discovered spots to sit and relax and watch the world go by. I saw Canada geese practise take-off and landing manoeuvres on the lake. I walked through forested areas where the only thing I could hear was the sound of the wind rustling autumn leaves to the ground. I even crossed paths with a few deer, as well as people walking, biking and jogging, with and without kids and dogs as company.<\/p>\n

After one-and-a-half hours exploring and discovering, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed. Unfortunately, the blustery cold winds got the better of me, and with rain threatening and work beckoning, I reluctantly headed home.<\/p>\n

This oasis in the west end of the city is beautiful, peaceful and surprising. When you discover Tom Chester Park for yourself, be prepared to stay longer than you expect. <\/p>\n

Jenny Gates is a speaker, writer and book editor, and a community correspondent for St. James. Contact her at words@jennygates.com with questions and ideas.<\/em><\/p>

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