Art exhibit at Queen's dives into the changes at Belle Park

The Working Ground is on display at the Miller Museum of Geology.

The history of Belle Park in Kingston is being turned into an art exhibit.

Working Ground tells the story of the park off Montreal St. that began as a wetland. It later became a landfill for the city before changing to a golf course.

The golf course is long gone and it has since become an encampment for those without a place to live.

The exhibit was developed by the Belle Park Project led by two professors at Queen's University: Laura Murray, who works in the department of English and Cultural Studies, and Dorit Naaman from the Film, Media and Cultural Studies department.

Murray says the exhibit began as demonstration on the impact residents have on the earth.

An official opening of the Working Ground was held at the Miller Museum of Geology at Queen's last Thursday.

The art pieces were created by Queen's student and artist Noah Scheinman.

Murray says one particular piece covers the time Belle Park was a golf course.

Working Ground covers not only the environmental impact of the park but also the cultural, economic and social impact it had over the course of the last 75 years.

Murray says it is a facinating exhibition for those who are intrigued by the history of the park.

Murray says Belle Park continues to be a focus of the residents of Kingston.

There is a symposium taking place Sat. Nov. 22 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Miller Museum of Geology and it is open to the public.

More information about Belle Park and the Working Ground exhibit can visit the Belle Park Project website. 

Story by Ken Hashizume