Even though this is a small area, the park encompasses a number of very interesting ecosystems. There is the stream, open lawns, a great deal of treed space as well as exposed Cambrian rock. The valley aspect of the trail also provides a protective area from storms and creates micro ecosystems throughout the park.
These areas, combined with the attraction of local bird feeders, make this a good spot for bird watching almost anytime of the year. Only a few of the birds more commonly seen and heard are listed. There are many more that attend feeders and pass through on their migrations in the spring.
The following is a list of some of the flora and fauna in this park. To learn more about each of these, visit the Plants and the Wildlife sections of this website. More can probably be identified and may be added to these lists. John Coffman had not noted the many insect and spider species that are found here. He felt that everyone was very aware of our most notorious insects, the Mosquito, Blackfly and the Shadfly, but there were a lot of more attractive ones like the Tiger Swallowtail, Monarch and Mourning Cloak Butterflies. There are Dragonflies and Damselflies as well as the more noisy insects such as the Cicada, Crickets and Katydids. We have decided to include some insects in the wildlife section to expand your knowledge. Similarly he did not deal with the amphibians, reptiles or fish other than to mention that there are frogs and minnows to be found in the creek. Snakes and toads may occasionally be seen.
To better identify these plants and animals he recommended the Peterson’s Guides, however there are many good, well-illustrated guidebooks available at our local bookstores.
These areas, combined with the attraction of local bird feeders, make this a good spot for bird watching almost anytime of the year. Only a few of the birds more commonly seen and heard are listed. There are many more that attend feeders and pass through on their migrations in the spring.
The following is a list of some of the flora and fauna in this park. To learn more about each of these, visit the Plants and the Wildlife sections of this website. More can probably be identified and may be added to these lists. John Coffman had not noted the many insect and spider species that are found here. He felt that everyone was very aware of our most notorious insects, the Mosquito, Blackfly and the Shadfly, but there were a lot of more attractive ones like the Tiger Swallowtail, Monarch and Mourning Cloak Butterflies. There are Dragonflies and Damselflies as well as the more noisy insects such as the Cicada, Crickets and Katydids. We have decided to include some insects in the wildlife section to expand your knowledge. Similarly he did not deal with the amphibians, reptiles or fish other than to mention that there are frogs and minnows to be found in the creek. Snakes and toads may occasionally be seen.
To better identify these plants and animals he recommended the Peterson’s Guides, however there are many good, well-illustrated guidebooks available at our local bookstores.
2016 Update
In February, 2016, the Near North District School Board was looking to use a 1.2 acre portion of the John Kennedy Memorial Park in the Pinewood Subdivision, abutting its new Pinewood School for the use of a play area/playground. It had asked the city to consider a joint-use agreement for the land and to set out what sort of uses may be available.
Residents living in the neighbourhood where the park was deeded, petitioned to advocate that the land remain as is without any development, including tree-cutting and landscaping. When donated in 1959 by the Kennedy Family to the City of North Bay, the land was a part of conditions for the development of the Pinewood Village Subdivision in lieu of the installation of curbs, gutters, storm sewers and sidewalks and was to be used solely for passive parkland.
The alterations proposed would transform the neighbourhood, through the removal of mature trees and natural environment, which would also directly impact wildlife. It would also impact resident properties that when purchased were assured the natural green space could not be converted. Local area residents collected signatures for a petition to ensure the park remained protected in its current state. The City of North Bay has reaffirmed this in bylaw 2004-211.
At this point in time, the City of North Bay has agreed to uphold the wishes of the trust, and so as the Friends of the Park we want to ensure that the community is aware of and has access to this wonderful natural space in the heart of our city.
Residents living in the neighbourhood where the park was deeded, petitioned to advocate that the land remain as is without any development, including tree-cutting and landscaping. When donated in 1959 by the Kennedy Family to the City of North Bay, the land was a part of conditions for the development of the Pinewood Village Subdivision in lieu of the installation of curbs, gutters, storm sewers and sidewalks and was to be used solely for passive parkland.
The alterations proposed would transform the neighbourhood, through the removal of mature trees and natural environment, which would also directly impact wildlife. It would also impact resident properties that when purchased were assured the natural green space could not be converted. Local area residents collected signatures for a petition to ensure the park remained protected in its current state. The City of North Bay has reaffirmed this in bylaw 2004-211.
At this point in time, the City of North Bay has agreed to uphold the wishes of the trust, and so as the Friends of the Park we want to ensure that the community is aware of and has access to this wonderful natural space in the heart of our city.