Oscar Peterson Park

For longtime Little Burgundy resident, Oliver Jones the idea of renaming Campbell Park in honor of Oscar Peterson was an easy one.
“We called it either Chatham Park or Campbell Park, but it was the center of activities for all of us who grew up in the neighborhood,” says Jones. Whether it was winter or summer, we were always in the park; it was our first rink, it was our baseball field and our basketball court.”
“So it is a fitting honor to name such a place after Oscar Peterson, one of the most celebrated sons of Little Burgundy. He walked through that park on so many occasions, going to work.”
The park, which is bordered by Coursol, Chatham, Georges Vanier and Des Seigneur streets, was formally renamed after the world-reknowned pianist on Saturday, September 12, at a ceremony held during the annual Little Burgundy Festival.
Peterson, who is an officer of the Order of Canada and Governor General’s Award winner, was born and grew up a few blocks from the park. He died in December 2007.
Jones, a lifelong friend of Peterson, also emerged from Little Burgundy as one of this country’s most acclaimed pianists, said the decision to rename the park for Peterson will have far-reaching implications for young Blacks and other minority kids growing up in the area.
“Many of the younger ones are not really aware of who Oscar Peterson is. I think that this would tell them about a man who grew out of difficult circumstances to become one of the greatest pianists in the world.”
“It will send a message to them that they too can achieve their dreams if they work at it.”
Michael Farkas, a coordinator at Youth In Motion served with Jones and several other notable Montrealers as part of a committee that searched for an appropriate site to honour Peterson.
Jones, who was also a standout sprinter and basketball player (his 56 points still stand as a record at the old Royal Arthur School) spoke about the long list of exemplary athletes who used the park to hone their skills, including great Canadian runners, Rosetta and Mervin Thorne.
Campbell Centre Park was named after Charles Campbell, a lawyer and philanthropist who died in 1923 and left a significant sum of money to be used for the creation of parks, public spaces and concerts (the Campbell Concerts).
Jones expresses heartfelt thanks to the Campbell family for relinquishing the title of the park, but felt confident that Campbell’s two original desires and objectives will be well served by having the park named in honour of one of the greatest musicians Canada has produced.