The school is located on the South end of Russian Jack Park.
The park has a colorful history.
Jacob Marunenko, a Russian immigrant who arrived in 1915 homesteaded the location of the park in the early 1930’s. He became known as Jake Marchin or “Russian Jack”. During World War II, the army needed expansion areas and took the land.
The homestead reverted back to the federal government control. Later in 1948 it was given to the city with intent to be a park. In the interim, the area of the greenhouse and golf course became a minimum security prison farm for APD housing inmates who committed minor offences involving alcohol.
The “Prison Farm” was known for its vegetables, particularly cabbages and potatoes grown there until the early 60’s. It was also the city’s water source in case of an emergency. With demands for recreation growing the prison farm was moved in 1968 and is now known as the Clithrow Center.
I figured there was an interesting story to the name. Thanks.