Sometimes referred to just as Park Oven or PACO, the Park Avenue Community Oven is perhaps our most well-known initiative and opened in September 2012.

The Park Oven is a volunteer-run, wood-fired community oven that is located inside a custom built structure that transforms into a food preparation area when opened.

Open Ovens:

• Thursdays noon – 3pm, sponsored by the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission
• Saturdays noon – 2pm

Check our socials for updates in events and cancellations.

Vision for the Oven

The Park Avenue Community Oven will provide an inclusive venue for community gatherings and events centered on food education and enjoyment.

Our objectives include:

• The maintenance and continuous improvement of the Park Oven, Garden, and Orchard
• Hosting events for community members
• Sharing resources and knowledge, working together for the common good
• Increasing accessibility to fruits and vegetables

Siting of the Oven

Much consideration was given to siting the structure. Below are some of the elements discussed while choosing the current site for the oven:

• Proximity to community gardens – opportunity to extend education about growing food to cooking food.
• Connection to the Dartmouth Commons Community Gardens group – an established group of individuals able to oversee, develop and maintain community oven.
• Proximity to water spigot
• Flat grade – decreases construction costs and allows for people to easily gather and sit around the oven
• Orientation – away from prevailing winds off the harbour; face the Park Avenue gate so that people will see it and feel welcomed
• Accessibility – close to the gate, along the path and on flat ground enables easy access to the site for people with mobility issues.
• Connection with the history of citizen activism in creating public spaces in Leighton Dillman Park
• Partnership with HRM Parks – support for monitoring and maintaining the site