More than a Century of Supie: What’s Your Story?

Share More than a Century of Supie: What’s Your Story? on Facebook Share More than a Century of Supie: What’s Your Story? on Twitter Share More than a Century of Supie: What’s Your Story? on Linkedin Email More than a Century of Supie: What’s Your Story? link

Consultation has concluded

The Supie program is celebrating 112 years in 2021. Though there are similar programs across Ontario and throughout Canada, Hamilton is believed to have the longest continually running program in the country.

To mark the milestone and recognize a program that is unique to our community, the City of Hamilton is encouraging residents to share their stories, memories and experiences of Supie.

What’s your Supie story?

Do you remember Supie as a child in your neighbourhood? Were you hired as a summer student to work as a Supie? Do your children or grandchildren participate in Supie now? We want to hear from you!

History

Started by Francis Wolverton in 1909, the summer parks program was originally run by teachers to provide children with a safe place to drop in and play during the summer months with supervision and some structure. The first Supie park in Hamilton was located at what is now Hess Street School on York Boulevard.

In the 1930s, teenagers and young adults were engaged as program leaders to better connect with the young children who used the program. Since then, high school and university students have been hired to run the eight-week long program in as many as 90 parks across the city.

After being put on hold last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Supie is back this summer!

The Supie program is celebrating 112 years in 2021. Though there are similar programs across Ontario and throughout Canada, Hamilton is believed to have the longest continually running program in the country.

To mark the milestone and recognize a program that is unique to our community, the City of Hamilton is encouraging residents to share their stories, memories and experiences of Supie.

What’s your Supie story?

Do you remember Supie as a child in your neighbourhood? Were you hired as a summer student to work as a Supie? Do your children or grandchildren participate in Supie now? We want to hear from you!

History

Started by Francis Wolverton in 1909, the summer parks program was originally run by teachers to provide children with a safe place to drop in and play during the summer months with supervision and some structure. The first Supie park in Hamilton was located at what is now Hess Street School on York Boulevard.

In the 1930s, teenagers and young adults were engaged as program leaders to better connect with the young children who used the program. Since then, high school and university students have been hired to run the eight-week long program in as many as 90 parks across the city.

After being put on hold last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Supie is back this summer!