Jonathan Rogers Park — Attraction in Vancouver

Jonathan Rogers Park offers playing fields, playground, and spots for resting; a lovely community garden adds colour and vitality to the park. Relax on the grassy slopes and take in the views of downtown Vancouver, or bring a sled to celebrate a rare Vancouver snowfall.

Jonathan Rogers was a real estate developer, contractor, park board commissioner, city councillor and supporter of civic institutions. His wife, Elisabeth, was a generous philanthropist and supporter of many organizations in Vancouver, including the Symphony Society and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Jonathan and Elisabeth lived at 2050 Nelson Street from 1910 to 1945, and Elisabeth continued to live at 2050 Nelson Street until 1960.

Jonathan Rogers was born on July 30, 1865, at “Plas Onn,” Glyncorrwg, Denbighshire, Wales. His parents were Edward Rogers and Ann Davis. About 1882, Jonathan went to live in Liverpool, England. In May 1887 he arrived in Vancouver, after travelling on the first transcontinental passenger train through the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

By the 1890s, Jonathan had begun buying property in Vancouver. He also built several office buildings and commercial buildings in Vancouver. He became active in many local organizations, including the Y.M.C.A. In 1912, Jonathan built the Rogers Building, which still stands at the northeast corner of Granville Street and Pender Street.

Jonathan became a Vancouver alderman in 1906 and 1911. From 1908 until the 1940s he was a park commissioner.

Jonathan died in Vancouver on December 8, 1945. He was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver. He left large sums of money for many public causes, including funds for a park near the Vancouver City Hall. By 1958 the city had created Jonathan Rogers Park, which is in the Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver. It occupies the full block bounded by Seventh Avenue, Manitoba Street, Eighth Avenue and...

Decent view of the mountains, coffee house across the street from the park. The park has a small playground, defunct wading pool, sports field (grass), washrooms with change rooms, and community garden area. Could use some seating at the west end of the park. And watch yourself from slipping accessing the playground from the southern grassy slope. Could use a safer way to access the playground especially with children in tow.

Vagrants frequent the park after dark amongst the evergreen trees on the southeast area of the park to sleep and leaving empty beverage container and garbage close to the playground.

[Edited Apr. 11th. 2017] The tree branches of the evergreen trees on the southeast corner have been cut approximately 5' up to clear the area beneath, resulting in fewer to no vagrants loitering/ sleeping beneath the trees nearest the play park.

Playground is pea gravel enclosed and consisting of 6 toddler swings and 4 "adult" swings, small wooden 3 foot high climbing platform with a crank operated traversing car of 8 feet across. Old wading pool, no longer in operation, is next to the playground and usually lined with broken glass. The southern slopes of the park is usually litter with bottle caps from the purchases and consumption of beer from the local brew shop up the street.

The southern slopes are a good place to go sledding (mild angle) when the snow has fallen making for a great winter fun. Milano cafe across the street offers nice exposure to the sun, when it's out, reasonable great view towards the mountains, super outdoor deck, and relatively quiet location, for a...

The parking issue is becoming more and more difficult in the free parking spots in Manitoba, Alberta, 5 th 6 th 7th area. Not only the Officers are arrogant grieving the soul of the poor individuals that try to get settle down while sleeping in there vehicle where parking was free. While othes well settled with a comfortable place to live. These try already with construction individuals scouring place for free parking !!! I had an an older officer giving me a ticket of 109$. I was uphold telling he had not better thing to do then grieve the soul of someone on disability and seeking a place affordable. I have been on the waiting list for 5 years now and been 59 years old. A good number of these officer already are irresponsible in behaviour and service which I would not even depend on them. The Vancouver City now has most of the free parking taking a paid one or short term. I had already an arrogant ticket lady giving me a ticket for a place that had a not allowed sign. Now like the police scouring the area for giving tickets. A lot of newsense. While these lift there nose at the helpless souls that are at their mercy. Even of the fatherless, widows , and homeless. God will judge even the secret Counsels of these using the laws while denying justice of the poor. Vancouver is another Sodom and gomorrah ...