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Halifax Common
Categories: Active Life Parks Active Life Playgrounds Parks, Playgrounds [Edit]
5816 CunardHalifax, NS B3K
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
12 reviews for Halifax Common
12 reviews in English
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Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/10/2010
The Halifax Common is a park area carefully maintained in the centre of Halifax, for public sports and playing space. It features a splash pad, several baseball diamonds, a soccer field or two and plenty of space for touch frisbee games. There's also a brilliant playground installation and a purposed skate park for the boarders among us.
We hit up the Halifax Common several times in a summer, packing a lunch and picking a spot under the large trees that ring the open space. It's a wonderful spot to throw down a quilt and drag out a good book while the kids run back and forth.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), the Commons has been playing host to large-scale concerts the last few years, bringing in acts that would consider the Metro Centre too small of a venue. Paul McCartney and KISS have both played the Common in the last year; this year's line-up has yet to be disclosed. The downside is that the Common becomes unavailable to the public for the amount of time necessary to stage, hold and clean-up after the event. If it happens to rain during the concert? The fields are trashed for weeks, sometimes for the rest of the season. Concerts on the Common are a heated topic at city council, and everyone has an opinion.
The latest buzz is that the Common will be hosting the long-track spped skating oval for the 2011 Canada Winter Games. Time will tell as to how well this is received by the general public.
So the moral of my story is this: get out and enjoy the Common while you can. You won't be sorry. -
Review from Mike B.
4/9/2011 63 Check-ins Here
The Halifax Common has gotten a bad wrap since I moved to Halifax nearly a decade ago. I was able to quickly pick up to stay out after a certain hour due to the robberies and swarmings that may take place there. I've never had a situation occur to me there. Although I have taken that advice for the most part, it's still a shortcut for me on my walk to work in the morning.
With all of its supporters, the Halifax Common is one of the most beloved spaces in Halifax. A big wide-open area of greenery for anyone to use for free. So free, in fact, that should anything threaten to take it away, there's a huge uproar. Concerts, skating ovals, and the like. I don't mind paying to see concerts (if something came that I'd want to go see) and I like that there's a small section dedicated to an activity that anyone can use, even if I don't skate or rollerblade. There is a skateboard park and a playground, isn't there? As well as organized sports for baseball, soccer and football? The Commons is for everyone!
I imagine getting a group of friends together for an afternoon of frisbee. Or grabbing a blanket, a basket, some food and a few friends for an afternoon picnic. Or finding a puppy and taking him to play. Or a book to read on the grass. There's so much to do and having such a nice area of green space in the middle of Halifax is wonderful. It's especially exciting because in the upcoming summer months, there's going to be tons of events occurring on the Common. It'll be abuzz with activity and sometimes just walking through you'll find yourself amongst a group of people organizing a special event that just might be up your alley. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
12/30/2009
The poor Halifax Common, it gets such a bad wrap. People assume they're taking their lives in their hands if they walk across this green space. I have friends who refuse to step foot on it, like it's a bad omen or something.
People, come on, let's not be silly!
The Common is a great place to hang out during the day and is a fine short cut at night. I frequently pop through here at night on my way to the pub or a party. I've never once feared for my safety or the safety of my wallet. It's a wide open space, if you're concerned about being mugged, my advice would be not to walk towards the unsavory character wielding the metal pipe. there are very few trees, you can see him (or her, ladies, you can be thugs too!) a mile away...
During the day the common is a great spot for sports enthusiasts, dog walkers, bikers, hipsters, skaters, you're all going to find something to do here. In the winter time it's a great spot to trot around and if you find the right spot you can easily create a D.I.Y. skating rink (but be warned, this may attract overzealous drunk people and children).
It's a shame that people perpetrate the myth that the common is a dangerous place, it belongs to the people of Halifax and a great chunk of them are too afraid to use it.
Then again, maybe it's just the people who know better spreading rumors in hopes that it won't get too crowded. If that's the case...well...The Common is literally the most dangerous place in the world.
I kid, I kid. -
Review from Laura P.
3/25/2010
The Halifax Common is huge slab of outdoor space situated smack in the middle of city life. Its a thriving, community oriented center point for anyone in the vicinity to enjoy. I take pleasure just knowing its there.
Young and old can gather at the Common to make the most of some good old fashioned natural space. To have this open area says a lot about Halifax and its priorities. I take pride in that. Whether its group sports, skateboarding, hanging out, running along its pathways, or just catching the view... the Common is a spot that speaks of simplicity and good, friendly times. Everyone can reap the benefits.
Summertime is its season to shine, as you'll always see folks doing their thing. Whether you're involved or passing by, its just one of the many quirks that makes Halifax so special. And there's room for everybody. Keep an eye out for concerts, as its been a host to some true greats! (E.g. Paul McCartney, last summer!)
Get out and enjoy the sweet outdoors... with the convenience of city life at your fingertips.Listed in: A Breath of Fresh Air
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Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/10/2009
It certainly is a big, open area.
The Halifax Commons are a great place for a million things to do. First off, this area is planted right in the middle of the city. So you can throw the football around, sunbathe, watch a live concert and do a million other things while still being relatively close to stores and restaurants.
On an average Saturday you will see league's playing sports like Ultimate Frisbee. And by the way, why are they so insecure as to call it "Ultimate" Frisbee? Its not that ultimate. I mean you don't hear Football players calling it "Ultimate Football." Yet if I were to bet on who would kick who's butt in a sporting competition between a football player and an ultimate Frisbee player, it would be the football player of course!
But enough about that and back to the Halifax Commons. One part of the area is just a nice wide open space. Another area is set up more for baseball, a skateboard park and a playground for kids which includes a pool. And lets not forget the teen hangout known as the Pavilion. I have been there once and lets just say its perfect for teenagers. It has that teenage angst kids are craving but also has live bands playing all the time.
Unfortunately, especially in the past couple of years, the Halifax Commons have become a bit more dangerous. There have been some pretty bad crimes reported. So its not the kind of place I would recommend walking through by yourself at nighttime. But with that being said, the Halifax Commons has been host to concerts such as Kiss and Paul McCartney. Its the perfect space for concerts but also for the regular person to hang out and soak up the sun. I'll definitely miss it this winter but be back for it once the snow melts. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
4/17/2010
The Commons make for a pretty green space in the middle of Halifax. With baseball diamonds, skate parks, play grounds and enough terrain for our local canine friends to get a run, this is truly a well used corner of town.
I particularly enjoy that bikes, dogs, skateboarders, people, little people, etc have all managed to integrate within this park with very few challenges. Makes it so that everyone can use the park with little bylaw intervention. Always a plus! -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
5/27/2010 2 photos
If you are looking to get the kids out on a nice sunny day or just looking to throw a ball around then drop by the Halifax Commons. As well the Commons has hosted a few concerts such as Kiss and this summer is the Black Eyed Peas.
The Commons itself is a large grassy area that is cut with baseball diamonds on each corner and in the summer time are normally stocked with baseball teams having a blast. In the surrounding area there is a playground that houses alot of little creatures meaning kids running around on any given day. Great slides and monkey bars to swings and tunnels. As well it also has that spongy turf under it so when the kids falls from running they do not skin their knees.
Right beside that is the Skateboard park that will always leave you gasping when they do their jumps and flips on the boards and bikes. All these areas seem to be growing in popularity.
One suggestion that I would like to make to the city is to put in more benches so that the [parents can sit down. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/11/2010 4 photos
It seems peculiar to me to write a review about a vast, fairly empty piece of land. The Common is a large chunk-o-field in the middle of the city, with a few baseball diamonds, a fountain, and some trees thrown in for good measure.
Now that spring is showing its sunny little face around these parts, I feel compelled to run, skip and dance my way down to the field and play about until night fall. The Common is such a lovely plot of communal land for all to share and is especially wonderful for those of us who don't have back yards to play in.
Yesterday morning, I enjoyed a brief yoga session with myself prior to work. Since I cross the land everyday I head downtown, I felt that not stopping yesterday when it was so epically beautiful out would have been a travesty. I love that this space is available to all who wish to use it. You don't need to ask anyone if you can do hand stands or throw a ball around, it's just there waiting for you to visit - no permission needed.
In the summer, I walk a couple of blocks blanket in hand, and set up shop on the grass. With my notebook I could lay all day, writing and watching the people pass. On most days, you can find friendly dogs chasing sticks, and on some special afternoons you can watch kites tipping and dipping across the sky. Oh Common, thank you for being such a consistent sunny day companion.Listed in: Random Fun
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Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
1/5/2010
The Commons is a very unique place in that it is in the middle of the city. If you drive by in the summer you might catch a baseball game or some other sport activity going on, it is a hub of activity.
Most of the large concerts are held here throughout the summer , rain or shine (that is part of the appeal in Nova Scotia). The weather is as unpredictable as it gets.
Although the commons is a very fun, warm place in the daytime. Do not be fooled by appearances at night. Believe us when we say. Daytime activities only! This is not the place to cross in the evening, no matter what. Better safe than sorry.
There is a great fountain which is lit up in the summer as well. Take a lawn-chair and catch some of the events. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/30/2010 1 photo
For most of the year Halifax Commons fulfils it's purpose as a public park wonderfully, with a skateboard park, soccer pitches and a wading pool it has something to offer everyone. Dog lovers can be found walking their pets here and it's also a great short cut through town.
Even with all of the regular attractions, The Halifax Commons is at it's best when it is host to thousands of people as a concert venue. The Paul McCartney concert was held at the Halifax Commons this summer and to my delight my boyfriend got me a ticket. The line stretched for hundreds of people but it didn't take as long as I expected to get through security. I had a pack of cranberries in my purse that I was scared would get screened out, but the security guard let me hold on to them.
It's a long crowded walk across the huge concert grounds created here but we managed to get near the stage, and didn't leave the entire 6 hours we were there. The negative to this strategy was that the washrooms (Porti-potties) were at the opposite end of the Commons from the stage, something which makes sense in design but is annoying none the less. The sound was great and we saw many of the residents in the neighbouring apartments on their balconies enjoying the music as well. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
9/21/2009 6 photos
The Halifax Common (also known as "the Commons") is a giant green space in the heart of the city that belongs, technically, to all Haligonians. Unless the Rolling Stones, or Keith Urban, or Paul McCartney are in town, when, for a while, it belongs to the production companies and construction crews and city managers who take over the space for a as many weeks as it takes to set up, perform, and tear down a massive outdoor concert venue.
But that's for our benefit, too, I guess. The rest of the time, the Common is home to baseball teams, ultimate players, cricket, soccer and football teams and sporty people of all stripes. There are even good places to just hang about and sunbathe, and many dog walkers meet here daily to give their pets a regular romp.
It's not the safest place to be at night, though, and I wouldn't recommend crossing after dark. Given the size of the space, you can end up a long way from anyone else, and only, as they say, the muggers will hear you scream. Exercise caution, and don't walk alone.
But during the day, the Common can be a haven of quiet and peace, and if you're craving green space, its huge expanse of green grass can be just what you need to recharge your city batteries. -
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
1/23/2010
Love the Commons. I am well aware of what a luxury it is to have a big, public park in the middle of the city, and so grateful for it. I've played frisbee here in the summer, picnicked on the grass, thrown snow in the winter and watched many others enjoying it countless other ways. Seeing all the baseball teams out there makes me want to join in!
There is currently a Commons restoration project in the very early stages... I realize that this sounds supremely cynical, but I sincerely hope the city doesn't choose to do anything stupid with this wonderful space.
