Oppenheimer Park

The Powell Street Grounds at Powell and Dunlevy, has always been a significant public space for all who live in this area. The park was officially opened in 1898 and was eventually named for Vancouver’s second Mayor, David Oppenheimer. It was a social gathering place where sports were played and festivals held.

The (Japanese Canadian) Vancouver Asahi Baseball team played many of its games here beginning in 1914. The team competed against other groups in their community, and eventually expanded to take on external teams. The accomplishments of the team have been recognized with introduction into both the BC Sports and Canadian Baseball Halls of Fame. Through the Great Depression, the park served as a meeting ground for protesters and the starting point for labour action and protests. The best known action was the “On to Ottawa” march during the Depression.

In October 1936, the park was declared the only park where political, religious and other views were permitted to be publicly voiced. Many Japanese Canadians celebrated 1977 as the centennial year for Canada’s first known Japanese immigrant, Nagano Manzo. Part of the centennial festivities that year included the ceremonial planting of 21 memorial Sakura (flowering cherry trees) by issei pioneers (first generation Japanese immigrants) which was coordinated by Tonari Gumi (Japanese Community Volunteers Association). Many Legacy Sakura continue to blossom every spring and are enjoyed by park users to this day.

Currently the park serves the diverse and complex needs of the area residents. In addition to traditional park uses, it is a social gathering place for a variety of community activities including the annual Powell Street Festival which is held in the park on the August long weekend. Oppenheimer Park has long been a gathering place for area residents and visitors alike. Aboriginal people who live in Vancouver and those from across Canada visit the park for many celebrations and ceremonial events every year.

Source

City of Vancouver, Historic Map Guide of Japantown (VHF)

More information

https://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/oppenheimer-park-commemorative-project.aspx