Frontenac Downs
Kingston Park LogoAfter a short delay Frontenac Downs opened in Kingston, Ontario in August of 1971. The open air grandstand that held 3,000 fans was at full capacity, as over 4,000 showed up for the first day of racing at the new 5/8 mile oval. Canada's newest track was off to a good start, but troubles lie ahead.
Opening Day AdFrontenac continued to run in the red until 1979, when new owners took over the track. The track was renamed Kingston Park Raceway, right! that was going to change everything. Like Frontenac, Kingston Park struggled over the years until 1992 when live racing was suspended.
Failing to get slots legalized at the track, management gave it one last shot and the track re opened in January of 1994. It only took a few days to realize the mistake that was made. The first Sunday matinee there were only 300 or so fans in attendance who bet 12,000 on the live card. The handwriting was on the wall, another track was headed to racetrack heaven.
It looks like Kingston Park never even got a proper burial, the grandstand sits decaying, it's sole function is as a canvass for graffiti artists.