STRATHGARTNEY PROVINCIAL PARK 
     
    
   
   
    
     Strathgartney Provincial Park was originally part of an estate owned by 
     
     David Stewart of Scotland. His son, Robert Bruce, became a resident landlord 
     
     of the estate and named it Strathgartney after his ancestral homeland in Scotland. 
     
     Four generations of Stewarts lived at the "Homestead," the last leaving in 1961. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Robert Cotton, the "Father of Provincial Parks," bought 40 acres of the 
     
     500-acre estate in 1958 and presented it to the Government of Prince Edward Island 
     
     on the condition it be developed as a Provincial Park. These 40 acres of beautiful 
     
     rolling countryside were opened as P.E.I 's first Provincial Park on Dominion Day, 
     
     1959. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Strathgartney Provincial Park commands an handsome view over the West River 
     
     and has been a very popular park since opening day. Although it is our oldest 
     
     park, it is interesting to note that it always had a modern touch as it was 
     
     equipped with flush toilets from the start. This was accomplished without the 
     
     use of electricity by placing an hydraulic ram in a brook. The ram pumped the 
     
     water up a hill to a tank which provided the pressure for the washrooms. It is 
     
     also interesting to note that the first ski-tow on the Island was set up in the 
     
     park in the early sixties. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The park contains several other unique features, including a nature trail 
     
     and a frisbee golf course. A new comfort station was added in 1985 to replace 
     
     the outdated and overextended facilities. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Strathgartney Provincial Park has always been one of the more popular parks 
     
     in the Provincial Park system. It is a favourite spot for many Island families 
     
     and its central location also makes it a favourite with the travelling public. 
     
     As it nears its 30th birthday, Strathgartney Provincial Park stands as a fine 
     
     representative of the generosity of Robert Cotton. 
     
    
   
   
    
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