Once military reserve land, Simcoe Park was previously leased by the Town of Niagara for the enjoyment of its residents. It was a gated park that was apparently named after John Graves Simcoe by its first hired operator, Dick Taylor (the same gentleman who was featured in last week’s column). The valley running through the park is the result of a dried-up waterway that continued down Prideaux and along Regent to the Niagara River. The installation of swings, “teeters,” a refreshment stand and a pavilion were enjoyed by young and old alike. Former resident Ann Buyers fondly remembered the dances on Wednesdays and Saturdays led by an orchestra. However, she noted that the bathrooms were best not visited!