Landmark project enters finishing phase
Newmarket says construction of the town’s new Mulock Park has moved into the home stretch, with more than 90 per cent of the work complete and crews focused on final installations and landscaping. The town confirmed that the historic Mulock House and five other buildings on the site are nearing completion, while work continues on access, plantings and public features ahead of an opening date that remains to be determined.
“As we enter the finishing phase of the Mulock Park and house construction, we are moving from vision to reality, and it is hard not to be excited,” Mayor John Taylor said. “The park has so many features, and the house is so beautiful that I can say with confidence that our residents will be both amazed and proud of what we have accomplished together.”
The multi-year initiative, described by the town as a landmark project costing tens of millions, includes the restoration of the heritage house, extensive gardens and new public amenities. Officials said exterior work on buildings is complete and mechanical and electrical systems are being installed, with interior restoration of the house taking final shape, including a new veranda.
Access and amenities taking shape
Work is underway on a new primary pedestrian entrance at the Yonge Street and Mulock Drive intersection. The town said the entry will build on an existing water area to create a marsh-like landscape, with an accessible steel bridge guiding visitors into the park. An elevator is being installed inside Mulock House to improve accessibility.
Beyond the buildings, crews are advancing extensive site works. Grading for the park’s three main lawns is complete, with new sod being laid. Plantings are progressing across the property, including naturalization in the forested area, and garden beds are being established. The town noted some sections will remain fenced or protected temporarily to allow ecological areas to take hold and support habitat for wildlife and insects.
What residents can expect
The project plan calls for a mix of heritage, cultural and recreational features anchored by Mulock House. The town has confirmed a new café is planned within the restored house. Additional elements include a summer water play area, a skating trail for colder months, gardens, and structures to support artist residencies. Ongoing tasks include commissioning the riverine water feature and completing the heritage lawn, where a surrounding boardwalk is planned.
- Primary pedestrian entrance at Yonge and Mulock with an accessible steel bridge
- Restored Mulock House with a planned café and elevator
- Seasonal amenities: water play area and skating trail
- Gardens, forest naturalization and wildlife-supporting plantings
- Boardwalk planned around the heritage lawn
Status snapshot
The town’s latest construction update highlights the following progress:
| Component | Status |
|---|---|
| Buildings (exteriors) | Complete |
| Mulock House restoration | In final form; veranda ready |
| Mechanical/electrical systems | Being installed |
| Elevator (Mulock House) | Installation underway |
| Primary pedestrian entrance | Bridge deck and railings in progress |
| Lawns (grading/sod) | Grading complete; sodding in progress |
| Forest naturalization | Complete |
| Gardens | Taking shape |
| Riverine water feature | Commissioning planned |
| Heritage lawn & boardwalk | Finishing/installation planned |
Next steps and local impact
While the opening date has not been set, the town is positioning the park transition from construction to operations. With access works advancing at Yonge and Mulock and interior systems being finalized, the focus has turned to ensuring the landscape establishes properly before heavy use. Temporary protections will remain in select areas to support new plantings and habitats.
For residents, the nearing completion signals that a long-discussed public space—combining heritage preservation with year-round amenities—is close to opening. The restoration of Mulock House and new site features are intended to expand cultural programming, improve walkability via the new entrance, and provide additional outdoor options for families, seniors and visitors. The town said it will share further details, including the opening schedule, as finishing works conclude.
