McNabb Park, located at the corner of Bronson and Gladstone avenues, is the largest green space in Ottawa’s downtown core. The park backs onto the McNabb Community Centre, which was established in the 1970s. Both sites are popular destinations for local residents.
The park offers a block of open green space, dotted with a few trees, while the community centre provides an arena, gym, pottery studio, and extensive community and recreation programs.
The park’s green space encourages games of lawn bowling, pick-up soccer and picnic lunches.
In the summer, the wading pool, located in the centre of the park, gives youngsters and their parents hours of water fun. Brown wooden benches line the play area, providing the perfect seat for parents. A concrete compound is situated at the far northwest corner and the tall chain-linked fence makes it the perfect spot to play basketball.
In previous years, the Ferret Rescue Society of Ottawa has used McNabb Park as its venue for their autumn fundraiser, called “Fall Ferret Frolic.” The event educates the public about ferret care, while also raising funds for the organization.
In the winter, the McNabb community centre maintains an ice rink. In early summer, the rink is transformed into a skate-boarding park.
The McNabb gym, pottery studio and community theatre offer residents a wide range of fun and interesting activities throughout the year.