1871 – 1971
FORT ST. JOHN
CENTENNIAL PARK
DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE TOWN OF
FORT ST. JOHN FOR THE USE AND ENJOYMENT
OF ALL ITS CITIZENS AND GUESTS.
THIS PARK WAS BUILT DURING 1971
TO COMMEMORATE THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE ENTRY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA INTO CONFEDERATION
WITH CANADA AND RECOGNITION IS GIVEN TO
PIONEERS OF THIS AREA. THE MACKENZIE
MONUMENT HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS PARK
FOR THE MUTUAL ADVANTAGE FOR BOTH PROJECTS.
CONSTRUCTION WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH
THE CO-OPERATION OF THE PROVINCE OF
BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA,
AND THE TOWN OF FORT ST. JOHN.
OFFICIALLY OPENING – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1971
PETER FRANKLIN, MAJOR A.J. BRUMMET, CHAIRMAN
TOWN OF FORT ST. JOHN CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
BERT LARMAN - PROJECT CHAIRMAN
ED CONKIN - SUPERVISOR OF CONSTRUCTION
Centennial Park has paved walking paths as well as a large green area with picnic tables. There are monuments displayed that pay tribute to war veterans including one of the most famous explorers of the area, Alexander Mackenzie. A huge metal grizzly bear sculpture is displayed in the park.
Other features are commemorations for Centennial of Confederation of Canada, Centennial Park plaque. Also is a gazebo, beautiful flowerbeds, and pathways that are wheelchair accessible.
There is also a water park and playground in the back of the park that is ideal for families with young children. The playground is next door to the a sand volleyball court and a skateboard park.
Fort St. John
The original Fort St. John was established as Rocky Mountain Fort in 1794, making Fort St. John the oldest white settlement in mainland British Columbia. In 1942, Fort St. John became field headquarters for U.S. Army troops and civilian engineers working on construction of the Alaska Highway in the eastern sector.
Fort St. John has a population of about 21,000 residents and is the largest city in Northeastern BC. It is situated along the world-famous Alaska Highway. Fort St. John is located at Historic Milepost 47 of the Alaska Highway, 47 miles north of Dawson Creek where Mile 0 is located and marks the beginning of the Alaska Hwy.
Fort St. John is known as The Energetic City for their large resource base of oil, natural gas, forestry and agriculture.