Somerset Park

In the late 1940s, Somerville Park was opened at the end of Switzer Drive. It was a private park which closed in 1953. The following year, it was reported that Somerville Park was sold to the Somerset Swimming Club. The park became known as Somerset Park. It operated as a private pool throughout the decade, offering public swims, swimming lessons, and picnic grounds. The pool was filled with water from the neighbouring Oshawa Creek, and many who swam in this pool remember it being very cold for swimming!

By the early 1960s, the City was leasing the pool from the swim club. In 1961, there were 24,905 patrons who used the pool in a nine week span.

In 1962, the pool and the land was sold to the city, who set about making improvements to the pool, including adding a change-house. The pool and park were popular destinations through the years.

In 2001, the pool was closed by the city and was later buried and sodded over. Today, the park boasts an ideal location along the Oshawa Creek, and has a children’s playground.

With information:

“Oshawa And District, Park Sold,” Oshawa Daily Times-Gazette, 26 June 1954, 2.

Jack Gearin, “Good Evening,” Oshawa Times, 11 Sept 1961, 2.

“Councillors worry Oshawa’s outdoor pools on chopping block,” Oshawa This Week, January 26, 2010, accessed via: https://www.durhamregion.com/life/councillors-worry-oshawas-outdoor-pools-on-chopping-block/article_ed22fcdf-c980-578e-81cd-4c4c379b1977.html