Bowring Park Foundation was formed in 1995 by a volunteer group of citizens to assist the City of St. John’s preserve, restore and develop Bowring Park.

Park Activities

To inquire about holding an event on park grounds, to check the schedule for the Swimming Pool and/or Amphitheatre, or to indicate a concern:

Please call 311 (within City of St.John’s) or call (709) 754-2489 (outside city limits)

VIEW CITY OF ST. JOHN’S EVENT CALENDAR

Duck Food

PLEASE NOTE: Bowring Park Foundation Inc. is not selling any bird food at the Bowring Park Lodge nor at the Marie’s Mini-Marts due to the ongoing Avian Influenza.

Learn More about Avian Influenza

Request for Proposals

Bowring Park Foundation Inc. is seeking proposals to lease The Bungalow in Bowring Park, located in St. John’s. Proposals will be entertained for The Bungalow to be used as a restaurant, catering service, office space or other permitted use.

Request Issued: Friday, March 8, 2024
Submission Deadline: Thursday, April 4, 2024

Download the RFP

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Foundation own and operate Bowring Park?

No. The City of St. John’s owns and operates Bowring Park.

What does the Bowring Park Foundation do?

The Foundation assists the City of St. John’s by raising funds for park projects that both organizations have agreed to do. These projects can take many forms. For instance, we have worked together on the restoration of The Fountain Pond, the creation of an interpretation panel for The Fighting Newfoundlander Monument, the construction of the Pool House and so on.

Is Bowring Park Foundation a registered charity and how can I donate?

Bowring Park Foundation, a not for profit organization, was established in 1995. Our registered charitable number is 89826 7471 RR0001

Please contact the Foundation by phone (709) 364-1531 or by email bpf@bowringpark.com if you are interested in making a donation. Income tax receipts will be issued for donations of $10 or more.

You can also visit our donations page to donate directly on our website.

Where is Bowring Park Foundation’s office?

The Foundation is located in The Lodge in Bowring Park. It is located at 305 Waterford Bridge Road next to the Duck Pond. The Lodge was built to house Rudolph Cochius and his family while the park was being built.  Mr. Cochius oversaw the construction of this park. After Mr. Cochius completed his work, The Lodge was used as a family home for the Park’s Superintendents.

Why does the Foundation sell corn instead of bread to feed the swans and ducks?

Bread dehydrates the birds because of its high salt content and it also promotes bacterial growth in the ponds and rivers. Corn is healthier for the birds and it does not harm their environment.

Where can I purchase the Foundation’s Duck Food?

The Duck Food is available throughout the year at the various Marie’s Mini-Mart locations. Marie’s forwards 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the $1 bags to the Foundation.  The profits go back into projects for Bowring Park. The Foundation thanks Marie’s for their partnership.

What park project is the Foundation presently undertaking?

The Foundation is presently having a storyboard created about the origins of Bowring Park. Preserving the history of the park is very important to the Foundation and on this website, you will find a historical document about Bowring Park and also black and white footage of the park’s opening on July 15, 1914.

How can I become involved with the Foundation?

You can follow us on our social media and engage with us by posting memories and photos of Bowring Park using the hashtag #BowringParkCommunity

Please contact the Foundation by phone (709) 364-1531 or by email bpf@bowringpark.com if you have any questions about our organization.