Stouffville scores $4.4-million skating trail in Memorial Park

Federal and provincial governments contributing $3 million to project

Yorkregion.com
April 20, 2021
Simon Martin

Memorial Park in Stouffville is getting a major upgrade. It was announced April 16 that the town is getting a $4.4-million skating trail with help from the federal and provincial governments.

The government of Canada will invest $2.2 million with the province putting forward $1.8 million and the town $1.4 million.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous funding toward the winter skating trail to be constructed in Memorial Park,” Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt said. “This new skating trail, which was chosen by the community as the highest priority in the parks expansion, will bring generations together creating stronger, happier, and healthier residents.”

The work involves constructing a multi-season trail in Memorial Park that will be used for skating during winter months. The project will involve construction of accessible washrooms and change rooms, a shed for the ice resurfacer and a bridge for the resurfacer to access the trail.

“The trail will provide Whitchurch-Stouffville’s residents with a fantastic outdoor facility where people can exercise and come together,” Markham-Stouffville MP Helena Jaczek said. “The project will mean jobs in the coming months, and it will provide the Town’s residents with a recreational facility that will be a huge asset for the community for years to come."

Markham-Stouffville MPP Paul Calandra was please the provincial government could provide $1.8 million to help make the trail a reality. “This kind of recreational infrastructure is exactly what our growing community needs. I look forward to visiting with my family as soon as it is open," he said.

The town is in the midst of redesigning Memorial Park where the skating trail will be located. Phase 1 of the project scheduled to begin shortly would see eight new pickleball courts and two new tennis courts that will be constructed on the southwest end of Leisure Centre.

Town staff launched the 'Design Your Memorial Park' campaign in 2019, and it garnered engagement and feedback from residents. A total of 508 residents provided feedback through the online survey. Two public open houses had a total of 108 participants who attended the meetings to share their views. Some of the top priorities identified by residents include a skating trail, splash pad, pickleball, tennis courts, picnic tables, trails and outdoor pool.