East Gwillimbury opens new $1.3-million Children of Peace Park in Sharon

The new 5.7-acre park is located next to the East Gwillimbury Civic Centre and Sharon Temple National Historic Site

Yorkregion.com
July 22, 2022
Simon Martin

Right in the heart of Sharon is a new central park for residents to enjoy. The town of East Gwillimbury officially opened the Children of Peace Park July 19.

The 5.7-acre park is located next to the East Gwillimbury Civic Centre, and Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum, and is connected to the Sharon Village trail network. You won’t find playground equipment at this park; rather, visitors can enjoy open space, massive trees, walking paths, lush gardens, shade structure and seating area. The park will also be the venue for music nights for the community to enjoy.

Longtime East Gwillimbury and trails committee member Irene Tamblyn loves how the park connects to different parts of the community through trails. “From here you can get to Queensville, you can get to Holland Landing, you can get to Newmarket on trails,” she said.

When she started working on the trails committee around 20 years ago, it was because she had an interest in more being built and getting more people to enjoy the outdoors. “I think this park is a great one for new residents to get a feel for the community because it connects the new and the old,” she said.

The location, name and design elements incorporated into the Children of Peace Park design were intentionally created to celebrate the history of the Sharon Temple. A large public art sculpture is planned for the park and the community is invited to provide input on design choices through the town’s “Which art in the park?” campaign. To vote, you can visit www.eastgwillimbury.ca/ArtsandCulture.

“East Gwillimbury has a very rich history and I’m so glad that it is reflected in this beautiful new park,” said Mayor Virginia Hackson. “Creating spaces for our community to gather, enjoy the outdoors is key to building a complete community. With this park, we are providing important amenities for outdoor recreation and celebrate our cultural heritage.”

Holland Landing resident Jeremy Smith came to the park via trails starting at the Rogers Reservoir, taking the Nokiidaa trail to the Radial Line Trail to the Sharon Creek Trail, which comes to the new park. “The reason we have trails is that trails like communities. Trails bring communities together,” he said.

The town partnered with the Sharon Temple and its board on the name, banner flags, and large annual flower display in the park. The input helped to develop some unique historical design features, including a garden with landscaping stone shaped like the footprint of the David Willson House.

Sharon Temple Museum and Virtual Experience Manager Katy Jones said it’s a welcome addition to have the park right next to the temple. “It is another step towards building a stronger community relationship between us, the Town of East Gwillimbury and the members of the community,” she said. “We are so happy to share the gate that borders it.”

Construction of the park and trail connection took place over a 12-month period and cost $1.3 million to build. Both projects were funded entirely through development charges, which play an important role in the community by funding the infrastructure and amenities used every day.

The town has already had official openings for several parks and trials this year.

The Civic Centre precinct entrance and multi-use pathway connection was opened May 26.

The Mount Albert Community Centre Park opened May 28.

The Ridge View Park Phase 2 opened June 13.

The Vista Hills Park in the Holland Green Development opened June 13.

The Queensville Park opened June 15.

And that's not all for opening. Cupples Farms Park in Mount Albert will have its official opening Aug. 24 and Beechwood Park in the Winged Foot development in Holland Landing will have its official opening Sept. 24.