John Phillips Memorial Park is in the seaside community of Sooke, one of thirteen communities that form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. This seven hectare parkland along Otter Point Road features a pond, landscaped fairways and over a kilometer of gravel walking trails. The Douglas fir, hemlock and cedar forest once hosted a small cabin that was built by Tom Hynds before nineteen o’six. In that year the property was cleared further to support the milk farm of George and Mary Cook. By nineteen twenty six the farm land was expanded by Frank and Gladys Waide to include sheep and pigs. This enterprising duo created the nine-hole Broom Hill Golf Course from the area in the nineteen forties. The golf course was further developed by Eric and Jean Michelsen who hosted popular golfing events for a couple of decades. By nineteen fifty-two the property managed by the Swinburson family. They eventually donated the land to the District to form the John Phillips Memorial Park. This park is great place to walk in your back yard and a unique place to explore in Sooke.
Geographic location N48º 22’ 55” W123º 43’ 51”
John Phillips Memorial Park can be reached from the Trans Canada Highway. Take the Langford Parkway exit and follow along to reach Sooke Road (Hwy 14). Follow highway 14 to Otter Point Road. Look for parking area before the District of Sooke Municipal building and the Sooke Fire Department Hall One on the right. The park can also be access from along Wadams Way and Townsend Road. City buses travel along Sooke Road.
Walks in Your Backyard 