Wentworth Park is a Canadian urban park located in the community of Sydney, part of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The park was created in 1786; 236 years ago, just a year after Sydney's founding, making it the oldest of Sydney's parks. Wentworth Park incorporates the Kiwanis Bandshell, a playground, fountains, and a splash pad, as well as a 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi) network of paved paths surrounding the park's ponds and flower beds.
The park centres around Wentworth Creek, which forms a series of interconnected ponds. The park encompass 14.5 acres (5.9 ha) within the former city's boundaries. It is centrally located on the edge of the city's downtown core. Wentworth Park is divided into two distinct sections by Bentinck Street, which creates a connection from the Sydney Waterfront District to either end of Wentworth Park. A playground for young children is located in the east section of the park.
The Orangemen War Memorial
The Orangemen War Memorial in Wentworth Park commemorates members of the Orange Order from Cape Breton County who died while serving in the armed forces in World War I. It was installed in the park first in 1921, at a site next to George Street, near the intersection of Argyle Street.
A new frontispiece was set on the monument to include Orangemen from Cape Breton County who died in the Second World War, with an unveiling on 7 July 1946.
In 1999, working with a local disabled community activist (who raised 50% of the cost), the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) relocated the Orangemen War Memorial from its non-accessible location to a now full accessible location in the Park next to the Anne Terry Pavilion.
Wentworth Park, Makin' Waves Festival
Starting in July 2015, the Makin' Waves Festival takes place each summer with performers from across the country appearing at the Wentworth Park Kiwanis Bandshell in a family-friendly atmosphere each Thursday evening in July starting at 6pm. With free admission, an onsite playground, and close proximity to many local amenities, Makin’ Waves welcomes residents and guests of all ages.
Makin' Waves presents nationally and internationally recognized artists over the five weeks of the festival each summer, with a cross section of musical genres represented. The free event features food trucks, family activities and the popular festival market.
The concert series' attendance increases each year, over 10,000 people attending in 2019. The 2019 lineup included Wintersleep with Fire Valley Fire, Slowcoaster with Jah’Mila and Emma Stevens, Joel Plaskett Emergency with T. Thomason, Dave Sampson with Mimi O’Bonsawin, and Port Cities with PEI native Rachel Beck and the Atlantic String Machine.
John Gracie Christmas Concert
Cape Breton Island native John Gracie started a tradition of free Christmas concerts in Wentworth Park in December 2007. Held each year on 23 December at the park's bandshell, the outdoor concerts feature a mix of classic Christmas songs. His duet with his daughter, Toronto based actress/singer, Samantha Gracie is a fan favourite. It is a father/daughter version of the 1949 release, "Baby, It's Cold Outside". Free hot chocolate is provided by Tim Hortons. Admission to the concert is free and a collection is held for The Salvation Army's red kettle campaign.
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