Spring is coming and there is no better place to visit and take pictures with your favorite puppy than the Parkwood Estates. This a dog friendly place to visit is beautiful, tranquil and full of history.
One of my favorite places to go with Maze and Nyx is Parkwood. I wrote this blog now as the tulips will be out soon and the photo opportunities are endless as the gardens couldn’t be more beautiful. The grounds are wonderfully kept (ok, I’m a little bias as my son is one of the groundskeepers in the summers) but the green oasis in the middle of Oshawa is something that must be experienced.
History
McLaughlin Family Business
Parkwood Estate is a historic site within the City of Oshawa as it was once the home of the McLaughlin family who purchased it in 1917. Let me share with you a bit about the family so you can picture the family of five girls wondering about the grounds when they were young and later bringing their children to visit.
The McLaughlin’s started to leave their mark on the world when Robert McLaughlin Senior transitioned from making ax handles to building wagons in 1867 in the Town of Tyrone. Later as they grew, the McLaughlin’s moved to Enniskillen and then as demand increased in 1876, they moved the entire enterprise to Oshawa, ON.
Robert and Sam McLaughlin, the two sons, followed his father’s footsteps and continued with the family business and they became partners in the McLaughlin Carriage Works, which grew to become the largest carriage company in the British Empire! In 1908 the McLaughlin family shifted the business to motorcars and the McLaughlin Motor Car Company was established. The production of the McLaughlin-Buick was born as was the relationship with General Motors. In 1918 the McLaughlin Motor Car Company was sold the General Motors of Canada as there were not any heirs to continue the legacy of the company. Both brothers became an integral part of General Motors until 1972.
McLaughlin Family
Sam McLaughlin was a notable person throughout the Greater Toronto Area. He was a director of the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Canadian Pacific Railroad amongst others. He was also known for his philanthropic interests and his varied business endeavors which grew into the creation of the R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation.
Although Sam McLaughlin made a mark on the City of Oshawa, as did his wife Adelaide McLaughlin. She adored charitable work with the Oshawa General Hospital being one that was especially important to her. Ms. Adelaide was the first President of its Ladies Auxiliary in 1912 and held it until she passed in 1958. Another organization she cherished was the Girl Guide Association.
Ms. Adelaide was the heart behind the gardens at Parkwood. She studied the flower and grew to be an expert. The gardens became the venue to their many social events with hundreds of guests, as they still are today.
The Grounds Today
Parkwood today is kept as a historic site and is open to the public. You will often see brides floating around in their gorgeous dresses for pictures with their new spouse. The grounds are completely dog friendly.
There is a wonderful gift shop on the premises that we frequently visit just to purchase gifts for occasions coming up. Yes, they love seeing the dogs in the gift shop too! There is always a water bowl at the door to ensure our furry friends don’t get parched.
Film Production
Parkwood also has bragging rights in the film industry. If you become familiar with Parkwood, every so often you will be watching something and recognize Parkwood. I often turn to my husband and say, “Hey, isn’t that Parkwood!” We always enjoy spotting the venue. You will recognize the scene from Billy Madison!
How about the Prime series, the Boys.
The list of films that are endless, but you can go through them yourself (click here) and look for the places when you are there!
Events
Make sure you mark your calendars to visit Parkwood’s many Vendor Markets! The outdoor markets are always pet friendly. We love to visit but we also assist my mother-in-law when she is a vendor, which is always a blast for us to be apart of!
Parkwood is also home to other events, that sadly to say, are not dog friendly but are all the same a blast! I personally have attended the Christmas Tea, and the stain glass workshop. I invite you to check out their event page here.
If you love visiting tourist attractions with your pup, check out these other blogs:
Dog Friendly Farm Fresh
Bragg Farms – Dog Friendly Visit to a Sunflower Field
Leaskdale Loop in Uxbridge – Fun Dog Friendly Places to Visit!
Crock A Doodle! Crafts with Your Dogs!
Garden Centres & Dogs! A Perfect Combination
