A Vision for the Community of the Avon River's Flowing Futures

To watch a short introductory video on the River Commons and Parklands, click here.

An Introduction to The River Commons and Parklands

The centre of what Stratford locals know as the Avon River is actually Lake Victoria. Beneath Lake Victoria is the Avon River, originally known as the Little Thames because of its status as a tributary of the larger Thames River. The 'river' above the river below has truly become the Avon River at the heart of Stratford. 

The River Commons and Parklands are the legacy of the men and women who fought to preserve beautiful spaces to be shared by all. These are the histories of vision and valour that created the contemporary Avon River, which was originally destined to be dominated by railroad tracks on both the north and south banks. When we recall these histories, they inspire us to create possibilities, new stories, for our future communities.

These are the stories, our histories, of the Shakespearean Gardens, the Orr Dam, the Allward Monument Cenotaph, the Tom Patterson Theatre, and the Festival Theatre. These histories inspire possibilities to innovate and create the Lookout, Healing Waters, the Island and the indigenous Land, the Gallery pathways, to the Japanese waterfall, to the labyrinth, to the north shore, and to the T.J. Dolan pathway.   

Instead of the railways and a diminutive river, we have an Edenic garden with a river running through it, which welcomes and includes all of our citizens and visitors. We can participate in and perpetuate the vision of the men and women who came before us, ensuring a flowing future.

The River Above the River Below is a vision inspired by the Provocations Ideas Festival. 

Introduction | Shakespearean Gardens  | Orr Dam | Allward Monument | The Tom | Festival Theatre | The Lookout | Healing Waters | Island  | Gallery Pathways | North Shore | TJ Dolan Pathway | Conclusion