Cowan Park

Cowan Park, a five acre park in central Oshawa, has been in the community for over 100 years.

In 1924, the Globe reported that a new park in Oshawa would be known as Cowan Park, donated by Mr. F. W. Cowan to the city. While planning was underway, it was noted that “the park would be a spacious one. Benches will be placed and swings and other means of entertainment will be provided for the youngsters.”¹ By September of that year, playground equipment was installed, and in 1928, baseball diamonds were added.² Oshawa newspapers often reported the results of games that were played here.

In 1931, the park filled with music, thanks to regular performances by the Oshawa Citizen’s Band and the Ontario Regimental Band. “There is no doubt,” the Daily Times-Gazette reported, “that these concerts have been appreciated more this year than ever before by the large crowds who have attended them…”³

Cowan Park was making the news in 1932 when Communist demonstrations were planned. Through May and June, meetings in Cowan Park were planned by groups, such as the Young Workers’ League and the Young Communist League of Canada. Local police officers were placed within the park “in readiness for any trouble which may arise.”⁴ A crowd gathered but were more interested in a softball game than the planned demonstration.⁵

The 1948 Parks Report wrote the following about Cowan: “Electricity and water are also available in Cowan Park, the water installation taking place during the early part of the year. A considerable quantity of playground equipment was also installed in Cowan Park this year, and during the winter months a skating rink maintained.”⁶

In addition to ball diamonds and playground equipment, Cowan Park also had skating rinks in past winters. Today, it features playground equipment, a soccer field, and paved walkways.

Cowan Park is once again slated for redevelopment in the 2031 budget.⁷

1. “Health of Oshawa is Reported Good,” The Globe, 13 August 1924, p. 15.
2. Ibid.; “Parks Board Consider Sanitary Improvements Alexandra Park,” Oshawa Daily Times, 18 May 1928, p. 3.
3. “Band Concert in Cowan Park,” Oshawa Daily Times, 19 August 1931, p. 1.
4. Communists Announce Meeting in Cowan Park For This Afternoon,” Oshawa Daily Times, 2 May 1931, p. 1.
5. “Oshawa,” Toronto Daily Star, 11 June 1392, p. 20.
6. “Parks,” Oshawa Daily Times-Gazette, 11 December, 1948, p. 2.
7. Diskey, Ron, “Parks Redevelopment Summary,” City of Oshawa Report CS-21-31, 17 March 2021; accessed 29 May 2025, via: https://app.oshawa.ca/agendas/community_services/2021/2021-03-22/cs-21-31.pdf.