Thanks for the shout-out Railway City Tourism. The approach to the Elevated Park begins at King and Centre Streets, just half a block from Jumbo. The approach trail is open to enjoy. The bridge itself is closed and will reopen on Mothers Day after another round of construction.

We can't say enough good things about David Morris and his donation to the St. Thomas Elevated Park. Thanks to the Times Journal for spreading the good news.

The Elevated Park is getting more public art! Local artist David Morris has donated one of his iconic aluminum sculptures to the St. Thomas Elevated Park. The piece, titled “Janus”, is slated to be installed and unveiled to the public in time for the first day of spring, March 21. The sculpture is an important addition to our growing collection of public art. David is a noted artist with decades of having contributed to the cultural life of this community. The choice of Janus, the Roman god of east and west, past and present, endings and new beginnings is a perfect symbol of our project and of the rebirth of our community. The 10 foot tall piece will join two existing sculptures at the park, both donated by artist Scott McKay and his father Ian. Construction on the first phase of the park resumes later this winter with a scheduled re-opening date of May 13, Mother’s Day. Learn more about David Morris at his web site www.davidmorrissculptor.com. Learn more about making a donation to the St. Thomas Elevated Park at www.elevatedpark.ca.

Here's a salute and a big "congratulations" to artist Scott McKay, who has had a productive and triumphant 2017. First, two iconic sculptures for the St. Thomas Elevated Park, and now an amazing 25 ton installation named Perseverence at the gateway roundabout on the western edge of the city. What an amazing contribution to the cultural development of our community. Thanks Scott.

Lots of snow on the St. Thomas Elevated Park today. Gate is open (as far as snow will allow). We're open Thursday to Sunday, from 9 to 5. Wear boots. Better still, bring snowshoes or cross country skis. Enjoy the view and the multiple animal tracks criss-crossing the approach.

It's the first dusting of snow since we completed the 300 metre long approach to the St. Thomas Elevated Park. For a really bracing experience, take a walk up to the first section of the bridge deck which now has new, solid and safe railings. Until the end of the year we're open from 9 am to 5 pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. While the elevated park is far from complete, the view is still pretty great.

The first 25% of the St. Thomas Elevated Park is now safely contained within a solid, secure guardrail system. That ends the construction phase for this year. In early spring we will add the wooden deck to the specially constructed mounting tabs on each of the 110 posts currently installed. We will also install the 15 metal benches sponsored by local residents. Watch for announcements of two additional works of art which have been donated to the project. They will be in place by next spring as well. Starting this Sunday, Dec. 3, you can visit the partially completed bridge deck during daytime hours, Thursday through Sunday, until year end. And yes, planning is already underway for the next 25% section of the bridge, scheduled for mid-2018 construction.

The weather isn't ideal but installation of the guard rails on 210 feet of the elevated park has begun. A crew from Dielco Industrial Fabricators from London is meticulously fitting and welding each section of the railing directly onto the bridge deck. The heritage railing can clearly be seen just behind the new one and will remain in place, offering additional security and preserving the original elements of the structure. Once the work is done and the gravel levelled out, the park will be open to the public during daylight hours until the end of the year. The wooden deck will be installed in late winter or early spring. Stay tuned.

CBC London came to the City of St. Thomas, Ontario and interviewed Serge Lavoie about the St. Thomas Elevated Park. Judging by the look on her face, host Rebecca Zandbergen is wondering who in the world came up with the idea of a park on an old railway bridge some 95 feet over Kettle Creek. Now she knows that St. Thomas is a creative city with a lot of spirit, willing to take risks on big ideas. Thanks to London Morning for taking note. Railway City Tourism Learn more about the park at www.elevatedpark.ca.

#PlantsoftheElevatedPark The crew from the St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society continues work on the 250 metre long #StumperyGarden at the eastern approach to the Elevated Park. Today, over 40 trees and 200 woodland plants were added. This is in addition to the estimated 600 plants that have been placed in the 75 metre long Scree Garden at the King Street entrance. The community owes a lot to these dedicated men and women who are making the gardens of the Elevated Park a major attraction in their own right. Before the end of this month, the first 210 feet of the Elevated Park will be open to the public. Stay tuned.

Thank you Ed Van der Maarel and Stephen Mawdsley of A+Link Architecture Inc. for your financial and professional support of our project. Your concepts for the Elevated Park and its landscaped approach have proven popular with the residents of St. Thomas and region. Everyone can donate to the St. Thomas Elevated Park. This is a project created for the community, by the community. All donations are tax deductible. Donate online or find out more at www.elevatedpark.ca.

Our sincere thanks to Railway City Brewing Company for its generous support of the St. Thomas Elevated Park. Not only did it make a corporate gift of $2,500, but during the month of July it donated a portion of all sales of the yummy Express India Session Lager as part of its Social Pour program, raising a further $1,244. A great addition to our Phase One Fundraising Campaign. You, your family or your company can be part of the exciting project. Donate online by credit card or by cheque using the form. Details at www.elevatedpark.ca.