Make that to Go!

Park Board Concessions Now Open

May 28, 2007 - We're all gearing up for those long, luxurious days of summer and where else to make the most of all the season has to offer than on our beaches and parks? And when we think of a summer outing, it's a visit to Stanley Park, an intense game of volleyball at Kits Beach, or a quick dip with the kids at New Brighton Pool, more often than not we also think about the pleasures of summer eating. What better way to top off a day at the beach or at the pool than a visit to one of our parks' food concessions?

Concessions are open from late morning to dusk every day from Victoria Day Weekend to Labour Day. These long-time fixtures in our parks continue to provide affordable, portable food for the park visitor - from the old standbys - hot dogs, hamburgers, fish and chips, to new additions such as panini, wraps and sandwiches that are distributed to the concessions that dot our beaches and parks.

Food concessions in our parks have a history that date back to the beginning of the twentieth century. As our parks developed, food services became an integral part of a visit to our parks and beaches. Up until 1932 park concessions were contracted out to private operators, but the Board decided to take over the operations in the 1930s. In the 1940s, the records show that the current standbys - hamburgers and hot dogs - were the most popular concession food.

Most of the existing concessions have been around since the 1950s and early 1960s. In 1966 you could buy a hamburger for 35 cents, fish was 10 cents per portion and a chocolate bar was 5 cents. Although prices have risen with the times, the Park Board has always maintained a policy of keeping prices affordable. In the early 1990s the Board made a long-term commitment to renovate and update the park concessions, a process that continues today.

So enjoy a day in the park or at the beach and remember to stop by one of our concessions. (P.S. - for their sake, don't share your meal with our wildlife, please!)

• Top