Grand Old White Oak Tree Stand

The Grand Old White Oak Tree Stand is situated within the recognized territory of the Anishinaabe (Anishinabek Nation). The area around this park has a rich history beginning with the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited the land, now known as Grimsby Beach, since time immemorial. Covered in old growth forest, characterized by towering White Pines, majestic Oaks, strong Black Walnuts, sturdy Maples and many other Carolinian species, the area was rich in local wildlife. The huge centuries-old trees created a sense of awe in everyone who saw them.

In the mid 19th century, during the summer, Grimsby Beach became the site of a Methodist campground where people gathered to hear various preachers. Over time, tents were replaced with colourful cottages, many of which can still be found in the area today. As the years passed, the area evolved into a popular summer recreation area that featured a hotel, amusement park, casino dance hall and many other entertainments.  Today, the area is a quiet residential zone with only a small part of its original forest remaining.

The Town of Grimsby Heritage Advisory Committee recognized the significance of the Grand Old White Oak Tree Stand as a remnant of the original old growth forest and its historic importance as part of the Ontario Methodist Campground. In June 2010, it became the first natural heritage feature to be designated by the Town of Grimsby to be of cultural heritage value under the Ontario Heritage Act. Historically, the area was considered an ideal gathering place for its scenic beauty and the variety of mature trees which provided shade. Many of those trees can be found today in the original settlement areas, lots and park spaces and help to define the unique character of the Grimsby Beach community today. Unfortunately, in April of 2011, a major windstorm toppled 16 mature trees and fatally damaged the 350-year-old oak the park was named for.

In 2022, the Grimsby Environmental Network, the Town of Grimsby, Ontariogreen Conservation Association and Sean James Consulting and Design collaborated on a new plan for the park that would fulfill the original vision. The first step was to remove invasive plants like Black Locust and Japanese Knotweed that had invaded the park. The second was to design two native plant gardens that feed local pollinators, birds and other wildlife. These were planted in the fall of 2023.

Future work will include planting more of the native trees, shrubs and flowers that are absolutely critical to support local biodiversity. The goal is not only to create a beautiful natural public space for people to enjoy and learn from, but to also provide future generations with the same sense of awe past generations felt when looking up, up, up at the amazing canopy of old growth trees.