Hamilton Waterfront

[bornagainbiking]

Went down to the Discovery Centre area last night.
Wow: Honestly I saw a side of Hamilton that calls for more. I thought I was elsewhere.
So all you zoomers, baby boomers and others that remember the roller gardens or skating rinks we used to use the hockey arena in the summer but I understand you had several separate venues here. Roller gardens near Nebo and Stonechurch and another across from the Visitors inn near the 403.
Well, last night I saw people roller skating around the pad next to Williams. It was nice to see some people with gray hair strut their stuff and for a time return to their youth. Not many at first around 6:30 but by 9 filling up nicely. Even had a DJ with songs mostly from the 80s. This is a gold mine and I foresee someone cashing in on this with a converted warehouse or grocery/department store for the winter. They say that people from here have been going to Mississauga.
So check it out, skate rentals are available. I strongly suggest bring a folding chair and some water. This is the start of a good thing.
The new Sarcoa was starting to fill up at 9. Looks fantastic and like from a tv movie. Not my cup of tea, but will steal business from Hess street, not rowdy and more refined and secluded with plenty of FREE parking.
Not to be negative but what could enhance the image.
1. Clean up the East side of the Discovery Centre it robs from the work and effort of the improvements.
2. Mark off the parking lot for buses for cars as it was haphazard and not designed for maximum use. A Honda Civic in the middle of the painted lines intended for a bus left no idea where to park and not block someone off.
3. For the love of God, power wash the deck at Scoops, it looks like crap and starting to rot. A coat of stain would do wonders. This is the first place you see.
4. Rethink the prices for ice cream. I know it is a tourist destination but over $3.50 plus tax for a regular cone. I saw some families uncomfortable with this.
Have a small cone for the kids and families will come for a walk. Seems like gouging.

The new parking lot to East is a welcome relief.
So thanks for lifting the image of the area and don't stop yet.
Maybe have the bike police down there to monitor as booze with kids was the downfall of the rinks and I saw some coolers and people drinking in the park. This would be OK but there were a few drunks going to ruin it for the families.
Williams is right there with a patio and maybe Sarcoa can set up a drive thru.