McLennan Park, “Mount Trashmore”
Photo by Ruth Kinzie
A landfill site in south-west Kitchener was closed in the 1970s and new homes were built in what is now known as Country Hills, Laurentian Hills and Glencairn. The site was covered with topsoil and planted with grass but trouble brewed below the surface. High levels of methane gas were detected in nearby homes and some were evacuated for several years. Pipes were built to release the gas and a methane fueled flame burned for several years at the site. Gradually the area has naturalized and the big hill became known as the best place for sledding withing the city limits. Over the past couple of years, a number of improvements have been made to McLennan Park with grading of the sledding hill, the addition of lighting, benches, a parking lot, and the establishment of a fenced dog park. Mountain bike trails are currently under construction. A number of geocaches can be found in the park as well. Much of the park is still in a natural state with frogs found in vernal ponds and nesting Kildeer and Red-winged Blackbirds in the fields. City bike trails are found along the hydro right of way.
Cost: Free
Nearby attractions: Laurentian Power Centre, Tim Hortons,
Location: Entrance on Ottawa Street South between Strasburg Rd and Westmount Rd Kitchener
Ohh thanks I have searched for ever trying to find the exact entrance location to mclennan bike park Im goin tomorow and thanks again!!!
Shane V
September 11, 2009 at 12:14 am
[...] There is not a lot of snow on the ground this January but that has not deterred the sledders who come to slide down the icy slopes of this hill. There are a few smaller grades suitable for young children or for those who do not wish to climb to the top of the main run. More details about this park on Ottawa Street South near Strasburg Road are found in an early post here. [...]
Sledding at McLennan Park in Kitchener « An Insider's Guide to Waterloo Region
January 16, 2010 at 12:51 am
have a zip line from the top of the hill to mclennan park gate on blackhorne and blockline!!! that would be narly!
Matt Green
January 28, 2010 at 8:18 pm
[...] climbed to the top of “Mount Trashmore” at McLennan Park to watch the sunset and moonrise of the autumn equinox. The night shot above is of Ottawa Street [...]
First Night of Autumn « An Insider's Guide to Waterloo Region
September 23, 2010 at 12:03 am