The Town of Newmarket has reopened Willowick Park following a multi-month redevelopment that added an accessible playground, an asphalt trail and a new basketball court to the neighbourhood green space.
Project, timeline and neighbourhood input
Construction on the park, located at 615 Carberry St., began on Sept. 2, 2025, and the site reopened in November. The town says the redesign followed public consultation with residents and was driven by requests for an upgraded playground and a new basketball court first raised with councillors more than eight years ago.
- Accessible playground: new equipment designed for inclusive play.
- Basketball court: new hard-surface court requested by local residents.
- Asphalt trail and drainage: improved surfaces and a new drainage system.
- Trees and seating: no trees were removed during construction; additional trees and benches were planted and installed.
Officials and community reaction
Ward 1 councillor Grace Simon, who led the project after residents first raised concerns, marked the reopening with neighbours and local dignitaries on July 11. In a social post she described the transformation as personally meaningful and celebrated the elements added to the park.
“The new basketball court, fully accessible playground, trees, benches, and open green space have created a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy,”
Deputy mayor Tom Vegh also praised the result on social media, framing the project as an example of responsive municipal decision-making.
“This is what building community looks like — listening to residents, creating inclusive public spaces, and bringing people together to enjoy them,”
Several candidates for the Ward 1 council seat in the upcoming municipal election attended the reopening. Councillor Simon, who has announced she is not seeking re-election, said the project reflects why she values community service and expressed best wishes to candidates who shared their visions for the ward.
What the changes mean for residents
Park users can expect improved accessibility for children and caregivers, a durable outdoor surface for walking and wheeled users, and a dedicated space for basketball that previously did not exist at the site. The town emphasised that the redevelopment included a new drainage system to address water management without removing existing canopy cover; additional trees were planted to replenish and enhance foliage.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 615 Carberry St. |
| Construction start | Sept. 2, 2025 |
| Reopening | November 2025 |
| Main features | Accessible playground, basketball court, asphalt trail, drainage, new trees and benches |
The park reopening provides a visible example of how resident requests and municipal planning interact at the ward level. For families and neighbourhood groups in Newmarket, Willowick Park now offers expanded opportunities for play and informal gatherings. The town continues to encourage residents to use public consultation channels for future improvements to community spaces.
