Completed Projects

Whitehead Park

INVASIVE WILLOW REMOVALS

If you’ve been by Whitehead Park lately you couldn’t help but notice a dramatic change. In addition to the new playground and related grading and trail work, Saanich Parks was able to undertake the ambitious project of removing the invasive golden willows in the park, adjacent to Tod Creek and the lake.

The removal of these trees was called for in the approved Concept Plan. The trees are non native and very invasive, migrating far afield via the waterways they are adjacent to. The removal of this invasive species will result in significant improvement to the ecological health of this portion of the creek and lake, as well as to the overall appeal of the park. The removal of these trees is supported by the Prospect Lake and District Community Association, Friends of Tod Creek Watershed, and the Prospect Lake Preservation Society.

The trees were removed under the supervision of a Qualified Environmental Professional, and the area has been replanted with a mixture of appropriate native trees and shrubs. Trees planted this year were park of the Recreation Infrastructure Canada grant works, and Saanich staff together with our invaluable volunteers planted many more cuttings over the winter; using mainly Scouler and Pacific willow cuttings.

Enjoy the rejuvenated Whitehead Park!

Whitehead Park Overview Prior to Willow Removals.

Whitehead Park Concept Plan

The Concept Plan was presented at an Open House on June 9, 2009 and was endorsed by the Parks Trails and Recreation Advisory Committee on March 25, 2010. Council approved the Concept Plan on May 10, 2010, see the Concept Plan below.

Background and Vision

Whitehead Park is 1.21 ha (2.99 acres) and falls within the Rural Saanich Local Area Plan. It is zoned P-4 and classified as a Community Park. Whitehead Park offers unstructured recreation, and is intended for spontaneous use by all age groups via open space, play environments, picnic and seating areas.

The park’s original name was Lakeside Park, but in 1997, Saanich Council approved renaming it to Whitehead Park, as requested by Mr. George Lohr and Mr J. Whitehead (son of the late Albert and Nellie Whitehead). This was in recognition of the Whiteheads who were an early pioneer family in the Prospect Lake area, and who sold the land to Saanich in 1960 on the condition that it be established as a park. Many of the trees on the site were planted by Mr. Whitehead.

In earlier times the park was a popular beach and swimming destination.