Design a pumpkin race car, build it, and let your imagination run wild to create an eye-catching racer. Compete for prizes and bragging rights at The 5th Annual Lansdowne Park Pumpkin Derby! It’s a gravity race; the pumpkin racers roll down a ramp and hopefully make it to the finish line. All participants have a minimum of three races.
Prizes in each division will be awarded as follows (22 prizes):
Top 3 Fastest Pumpkin Racers: based on time trials. (Fastest time down the track-must cross finish line)
Top 3 Pumpkin Racers: based on Head to head races in triple elimination
Top 3 Best Decorated Pumpkin Racers: based on design, detail, creativity and originality
Most spectacular Pumpkin Car crash: based on audience response
Best dressed race car “driver”
The Workshop Warrior prize will be randomly drawn from a list of those who attended a pumpkin racer workshop.
Need help building your racer? Register for a workshop:
Division 1 workshops
Pumpkin Racer Workshop (for new racers) 1508774
Pumpkin Racer Final Touches Workshop (for returning racers who have wheels, axles, hardware) 1508776
Division 2 workshops
Pumpkin Racer Workshop (for new racers) 1508772
Pumpkin Racer Final Touches Workshop (for returning racers who have wheels, axles, hardware) 1508778
Rules
Pumpkin cars must be fully constructed and ready to race upon check-in
The pumpkin race car must be crafted using a single, real pumpkin
The pumpkin race car must be created by inserting two independent axles through the pumpkin; with wheels attached to the axles
The two axles may not be connected together in any way
The pumpkin cannot be attached to a prefabricated chassis of any kind (skateboard, stroller, toy truck, etc.)
Pumpkin cars, including wheels and decorations, cannot exceed 50cm in width
Derby pumpkins must only be powered by gravity. No motors, fans, pyrotechnics or any other means of propelling the pumpkin car are permitted
Pumpkin cars must be decorated in a creative way
Pumpkin cars may not be pushed or boosted in any way at the starting line
The competition will take place rain or shine. Weather conditions and/or the number of participants may dictate changes in scheduling and programming
Pumpkin cars must be registered in the appropriate age division
The competition takes place on municipally owned land, and contestants participate at their own risk
Any dispute concerning the competition or its rules will be referred to the City of Ottawa and the decision will be final
The City of Ottawa reserves the right to create visual documentation and to use this material for promotion and information without indemnity to participants
The pumpkin decoration must be in good taste and appropriate for all ages. The City has full discretion to disqualify pumpkins that are deemed offensive
The pumpkin car may not represent a commercial product or incorporate a commercial or organizational logo
Pumpkins must complete the race upright on their axles; toppling pumpkins will be disqualified. If no pumpkins cross the finish line the upright pumpkin that has travelled the farthest will win the heat
Pumpkin racer tips:
Make sure your axles are parallel
Make sure you have enough ground clearance; the course can be uneven
Make sure your wheels spin freely
Make sure your axles are securely attached; nuts and washers are recommended
A bigger pumpkin does not necessarily make a faster pumpkin racer.
Spring and summer 2019 recreation programs
View our recreation eGuides or visit JoinOttawa to browse and register for programs offered at Lansdowne Park.
Register in-person at a recreation facility.
Creating an account
Create an account online or call 613-580-2588 Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 7 pm (except on statutory holidays) and follow the prompts.
With old favourites, like the Aberdeen Pavilion and Horticulture Building, and exciting new features like the Water Plaza, Children’s Garden and Skating Court, Lansdowne has something for everyone.
Here is a glimpse of what you can expect to find throughout the year at the new Lansdowne.
Lansdowne Park
Lansdowne Park is a world-class attraction that blends modern amenities, courtyards, heritage buildings and green space. This urban public destination, situated right in the heart of city, offers programming on a year-round basis. It features events and activities for all ages and all seasons.
Visitors are welcome to use the park daily from 5 am to 11 pm. Pedestrians and cyclists travelling through Lansdowne Park should practice awareness and caution around heavy vehicles and equipment. Your safety is our priority.
Aberdeen Pavilion Features:
This Ottawa landmark, with capacity for 2,800 visitors, will be available for special events and community use.
Aberdeen Square
Just north of Aberdeen Pavilion, this courtyard is home to the Ottawa Farmers’ Market.
Basketball Courts
In warmer months, the skating court is converted into basketball courts. During major events at TD Place, the bike corral occupies this space and basketball is unavailable.
In warmer months, the skating court is converted into basketball courts. During major events at TD Place, the bike corral occupies this space and basketball is unavailable.
Children’s Play Area
A colourful, dynamic and fully accessible play space featuring a play structure for children.
A colourful, dynamic and fully accessible play space featuring a play structure for children.
Civic Gardens
An exhibit of local floral plants, is the perfect space for family picnics.
East Court
Lansdowne’s history is reflected in this heritage gateway, flanked by Aberdeen Pavilion and the Horticulture Building.
Lansdowne’s history is reflected in this heritage gateway, flanked by Aberdeen Pavilion and the Horticulture Building.
Event Square
The courtyard west of Aberdeen Pavilion, is the main entrance to the park from the Shops at Lansdowne.
The courtyard west of Aberdeen Pavilion, is the main entrance to the park from the Shops at Lansdowne.
Great Lawn
With a capacity of up to 17,000 people, the Great lawn is a great space for festivals, family picnics, or a game of ultimate.
With a capacity of up to 17,000 people, the Great lawn is a great space for festivals, family picnics, or a game of ultimate.
Heirloom Orchard
Lansdowne Park features more than 800 trees, including an orchard of heirloom apple trees.
The Hill
Overlooking the great lawn, the Hill features "Moving Surfaces," a sculpture that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to project dynamic video.
Horticulture Building
This heritage building is a revitalized public space for special events and community use.
Shuttle Loop
During non-event periods, short-term parking for drop-off/pick-up is permitted along the shuttle loop at the northeast entrance to the park.
Skateboard Ramps
A series of skateboard ramps ideally suited to beginners.
A series of skateboard ramps ideally suited to beginners.
Skating Court
Ottawa’s newest refrigerated outdoor skating rink is featured prominently in the City’s winter programs.
South Court
South of Aberdeen Pavilion, this square offers seating and space for outdoor performances and festivals.
South of Aberdeen Pavilion, this square offers seating and space for outdoor performances and festivals.
Water Plaza
Enjoy the soothing sounds of cascading water from the “Uplift” monument or the 52 dancing water jets that encourage play throughout the summer months.
TD Place at Lansdowne
This stunning 24,000 seat stadium is home to the Ottawa Redblacks (Canadian Football League) and the Ottawa Fury FC (North American Soccer League). The arena at TD Place has a capacity of over 9,000 and is home of the Ottawa 67’s (Ontario Hockey League). Both venues can also host concerts and special events.
The Shops at Lansdowne
This mixed-use area includes 280 residential units and 360,000 sq. ft of commercial space, including a new 10 screen movie theatre. The Shops at Lansdowne form part of the Glebe Business Improvement Area to find out more about shopping in the area head to their websites.
1525 Princess Patricia Way
Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3
613-580-2429
There are lots of options for getting to Lansdowne.
On normal days, you can take transit, drive, cycle or walk.
For special events, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group is providing a range of travel options for you to get to and from TD Stadium.
Transit
OC Transpo provides regular service to Lansdowne on routes 6 and 7.
Enhanced transit service will also be available for major events at TD Place or Lansdowne.
Driving
An underground parking garage provides spaces for everyday visitors to shop, use the park, and visit the stadium. Spaces are also reserved for office tenants and residents. Please note that only Club Seat ticket holders will have access to parking on game days.
Cycle
The re-developed Lansdowne includes more than 600 bike parking spaces across the site. Secure bike parking will also be provided for major events.
The City’s improved network of multi-use pathways and cycle lanes make this healthy travel choice safer and easier than ever. The City has identified a number of routes for cyclists of all levels to get to Lansdowne.
All of the pathways leading to Lansdowne are fully accessible, providing everyone the opportunity to enjoy all of the local sites and amenities on your way.
Park and Shuttle service
To get to games at TD Place, REDBLACKS ticket holders have the option to use a Park & Shuttle service offered by Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG). Event-goers will drive to nearby parking lots and take a free shuttle ride to the stadium.
Shuttles will enter Lansdowne from Queen Elizabeth Driveway for the first half of the season. OSEG, the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission (NCC) will monitor and assess impacts to the driveway and community and recommend a plan for the rest of the season to establish a long-term plan for reliable transit.
Community hub
Come cheer on our local teams!
Ottawa’s OHL franchise comes home to TD place.
CFL football is back in Ottawa!
Don't miss Ottawa's professional soccer franchise when they take to the pitch this spring.
