The formal rededication of Nathan Shuster Park in Côte Saint-Luc took place on Sunday, September 14 before an enthusiastic crowd made up of young families, seniors and of course presided over by Mayor Anthony Housefather and members of council.
This park is located in District 8, just a few blocks past the border of my own District 2, between Collins Ave. to the south and Wallenberg Ave. to the north. It is near the northern-most part of Cavendish Blvd. The park now includes a zip-line, tube slide, enhanced nature walk trail, and other items for kids. Given that the park sits together with a protected forested area, many of the items play on the forest theme with benches that look like logs sliced in half and a play equipment that looks like a treehouse.
Nathan Shuster Park was originally inaugurated on June 14, 1990. It is named in honour of the late Nathan Shuster who was a city councillor in Côte Saint-Luc from 1964 to 1989. He passed away in 1989 before the end of his term of office. Nathan Shuster's son Schoel, who resides in Toronto, was in attendance with his wife and daughter. His brother intended on joining us, but he came down with the flu. Nathan Shuster’s widow, Tova, resides in a seniors home in Ottawa and according to Schoel at the age of 101 she is still sharp as whistle.
I had the great pleasure of knowing Nathan Shuster during his years on council, particularly during the years I covered the affairs of Côte Saint-Luc for The Suburban Newspaper. He was a fine gentleman, adored by his constituents. He represented District 6, now proudly served by Councillor Glenn J. Nashen. Tova actually worked with me at The Suburban, where she was a top-notch sales rep.
The impressive $1.02 million makeover of Nathan Shuster Park includes some of the most innovative new equipment for kids on the Montreal island.
“The play equipment we have installed for both younger and older kids at Nathan Shuster Park will make it unique on the island,” Mayor Housefather said.
In order to plan the park, council and staff, and residents engaged in place-making exercises. Place-making is the process of making public places that will attract people and promote their health, happiness, and well-being. District 8 Councillor Ruth Kovac remembers the group conducting the physical tour of the park on a chilly day last February.
"I am very proud of the way the process that led to the rejuvenation of the park," Councillor Kovac said. "We engaged, discussed, debated and in the end have a great park. I think parents and grandparents will have a lot of great memories here."
Added Councillor Mitchell Brownstein, the council member responsible for parks and recreation issues: “We think Nathan Shuster Park will attract people from across Côte Saint-Luc who want to experience something different. We think it will become a favourite destination in Côte Saint-Luc, not just for people in the area but from all over our city.”
Thanks to our Director of Public Affairs, IT and Communications Darryl Levine for this terrific video of the opening.
