Frank Howard Leslie, former president and publisher of the Niagara Falls Review, donated property to the city in 1926 for the construction of a municipal pool, and children's wading pool. The city aquired additional land, for the formation of a 4 1/2 acre park there, between Valley Way, Sixth Avenue and Jepson Street. Facilities included change houses, washrooms, swings, slides, teeter totters and a softball diamond.
It was just known as a municipal park until October, 1965, when a dedication ceremony was held, and it was officially named the "F.H. Leslie Park". Dignitaries spoke, including F.H. Leslie himself, and plaque set in a large boulder was unveiled.
The municipal building was torn down in 1975 and a new structure built. The park is still a popular summer retreat today complete with a playground, splash pad area, and 33 metre pool that operates between the months of July, to Labour Day in September.
Niagara Falls Public Library. 2017. Niagara Falls - Then & Now: A Photographic Journey Through The Years. [F.H. Leslie Park and Swimming Pool].
Niagara Falls Then and Now
A collaborative project
Niagara Falls Museums - Niagara Falls Public Library - Dept. of Geography and Tourism Studies,Brock University.
Original newspaper series by
Sherman Zavitz, Official Historian for the City of Niagara Falls from 1994 - 2019.
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