The Stanley Park Optimist Natural Area, in co-operation with the City of Kitchener, was created by the Optimist Club of Stanley Park. It is a major project to help enhance the Walter Bean Trail along the Grand River by restoring the environment, plants, and animals that existed over 200 years ago. 

The results can be seen on the north side of Victoria Street North (Highway 7), on the west bank of the Grand River. The site includes several ponds, which were designed as fish breeding areas to help improve the Grand River fishery. Groundwater and runoff feed the ponds, which act as natural water filters, and a large culvert connects the main pond to the Grand River, allowing fish to move in and out of the pond system.

Fish species found in the ponds include common and striped shiners, pumpkinseed, rock bass, green sunfish, brook stickleback, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Other wildlife that have been observed here are frogs, toads, crayfish, turtles, great blue herons, raccoons and muskrats.

There are parking facilities, walking trails throughout the area, and a canoe launching "ramp" into the river. The Optimist Club works to maintain this area and ihas made numerous improvements over the years using funds raised through projects such as the Grand River Bass Derby. (The Derby was an annual event until forced to close due to regulations governing the "catch and realease" aspect of the derby.  

PHOTO: Environmental Stewards – Optimist Club of Stanley Park members worked hard restoring the environment focusing specifically on the Natural Area and the plants and animals along the Walter Bean Trail. Optimist Club. Club members celebrated the official "opening" of the Natural Area and the unveiling of the commemorative sign with Carl Zehr, Mayor of the City of Kitchener. /p>

Future Activities Planned

The Optimist Club of Stanley Park, in conjunction with government officials and partnership with the Grand River Conservation Authority, is continuing to use proceeds from money raised through the annual Grand River Bass Derby to maintain and develop the Stanley Park Optimist Natural Area as a key public access point to the Grand River, fish spawning area, and wildlife habitat. In 2018, upgrades were in the works for the access point at Ottawa St,/Otterbein.