Oakes Park Stadium — Attraction in Niagara Falls

I've been walking this great track for almost a decade now. On July 16, I witnessed a group of young adults forced off the field for playing soccer. Like the few other young groups who played nightly, they weren't loud, never used profanity, or littered. But that night, track walkers complained about the possibility of being hit by balls.

A few months before this, a very happy family (parents and small kids under 12) that played ball and cricket to the side of the field every evening was hostilely told (by a dogwalker!) they didn't belong there. They were frightened and never returned. Could give more examples; it's sadly apparent intolerance is thriving in Niagara.

Lights are on until 11pm but the park isn't busy at all after 9pm. It's well lit and you can see balls clearly. I walk every night and have never come close to being hit.

So where should they go? There are many walking and bike paths. How many fields with nets are there that are open to the public? Oakes soccer field gets used for about 2 hours, twice/week, 4 months out of the year. That's what taxpayers pay for? Why was it donated in the first place if not for the public to use?

This isn't how we encourage young people to stay fit or how we show admiration for those who still believe in family unity and activities that don't involve phones and screens.

The track and field are for everyone, not just those who pay for a permit. AND, if playing soccer is a $5000 fine then I want to see a sign next to it that gives the same fines to people who walk their dogs (many unleashed). I love dogs and they sure don't bother me but hey, the rules should apply to everyone, yes?

So don't you dare bring a frisbee to Oakes Park. NO activities allowed...

Great place for playing or watching ball. We often use the facility for running the stairs to keep your teams in shape. They also have a park with equipment for kids and strength training plus a track and soccer field. Plenty of parking and washrooms! A great place to...

I love walking the track here. The sign says one lap is 400 metres though my phone always measures it as more. I love the scenery, lined with trees. A park for the kids. A swing set and climbing structure. The baseball field. A sand pit for long jumping. And washrooms....