‘Keeping it Natural’ continues to be a guiding principle for the park’s development. Our team which includes experts in landscape architecture and ecology have created a Tree Stewardship Program. As part of our tree stewardship strategy, we carefully catalogued species and condition of each tree. Our strategy is focused on creating a lasting and resilient ecosystem of healthy, quality trees.

We are removing undesirable trees which are in poor condition and invasive species, and selectively removing trees to make way for the park elements approved by Council in the Master Plan based on the community’s vision.

Highlights of the Tree Stewardship Program:

Areas of selective tree removal

Our design team has particularly worked hard to site buildings and paths in places that protect the largest mature trees.

Selective tree removal is expected to begin the week of January 22.

The trees which are cut down will be stored on-site. New tree plantings will occur near the end of the project after construction is complete. As with any construction project, some disturbance will be necessary. During construction, you may see additional mud and newly cut trees. Please be assured that all areas disturbed will be restored as part of the construction progresses.

The tree stewardship strategy sets out to create an ecologically resilient, 21st century park designed for people to enjoy and learn about nature.

Construction is underway. Here’s what residents can expect:

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Town at info@newmarket.ca or call 905-895-5193.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses!

Are you a neighbour of the park? We’d like to add you to our neighbourhood email database for park updates. Simply email mulockproperty@newmarket.ca, provide your home address and ask to be added. Thank you for your patience while we build this exciting project!

Jim Bond Park and the pathway through it will be closed in the coming days (CLOSED AS OF FEB. 27) for the duration of construction of Mulock Park. Work in this area will include a natural discovery playscape, buried utilities and the maintenance building which will serve the park. The plantings will be restored, and the north end of the park will be transformed into a natural discovery playscape using natural wood from the trees on site to create an area for people of all ages to explore.

While the site is under construction, check out three nearby parks!

Construction is set to begin the week of January 22 on Mulock Park. The first stage in the park’s construction is selective tree removal, focused on removing invasive species, trees in poor health and others to bring the community’s vision to life on this iconic property. The property is now home to approximately 610 trees. To transform the former private property into a public park, about 150 trees will be removed (one third of which are in poor condition) and approximately 490 new trees will be planted. The overall property will benefit from an ongoing higher level of stewardship. When the Mulock Park is complete more trees will be planted than removed, bringing the total to approximately 950 trees, forming an important part of Newmarket's tree canopy.

‘Keeping it Natural’ continues to be a guiding principle for the park’s development. Selective tree removals, transplanting and replanting are guided by a tree stewardship program. The program is focused on enhancing the natural elements of the existing space and increasing the quality, number and health of the trees. Learn more about the tree stewardship program in the article below ⬇️.

What to expect in the coming weeks:

We’re ready to create the landmark Mulock Park! This is the Town’s most significant capital project and will become one of Newmarket’s largest parks and public gathering spaces, delivering much needed greenspace and amenities to a growing community. The 16-acre green oasis will be a four-season destination including a skating trail, water features, natural discovery playscape, greenhouse conservatory and artist studio with public art woven throughout the landscape.

The Town has awarded the contract for the Mulock Park construction project to Matheson Constructors Ltd. Park construction is targeted to take place from the end of 2023 to 2025 with park opening anticipated in 2026.

Read more in the news release.

Criterion Development Corporation has transferred a one-acre (0.4 hectare) woodlot to the Town, completing the 16-acre site. The picturesque woodlot is an integral piece of the future Mulock Park. It will allow the Town to build a peaceful skate trail through these woods which will act as a multi-use path in the warmer months.

The design for the skate trail follows a historic driveway through the woodlot to protect the mature trees in the area. As part of the agreement, the Town will also create a path through the remaining Criterion lands to connect the park to the Town’s growing Multi-Use Path system, and to approximately 200 parking spaces which will be provided at the off-site parking lot on Yonge Street. This furthers the Master Plan objective of closely connecting the park to the Town.

On April 26, 2023 the Town welcomed the community to learn about Public Art in Newmarket and share what they find inspiring, meaningful and exciting.

Attendees learned about sculptures and installations that exist in Town and projects underway, including the Mulock Park Public Art program.

Participants also viewed artist presentation boards and met with Town staff and members of the Mulock Park project team and share thoughts on the projects presented.

About public art at Mulock Park:
Public art at Mulock Park celebrates the landscape through a lens of innovation to highlight stories across past, present and future that expand our understanding of nature and our relationship to the land. The project team is currently managing seven new artworks to be integrated into Mulock Park, with more coming over the next few years.

Beacon at Yonge & Mulock

Part of the public art plan for Mulock includes the presence of a “Beacon” piece that will be located at the corner of Yonge and Mulock and will serve as a focal point drawing people into the park. For two days, on Thursday and Friday (April 27 and 28), conceptual drawings of the final five submissions were on display in the foyer of the Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive). In addition to the feedback gathered at the Public Art Open House, residents were invited to stop by and view the concepts and share their feedback which was shared with the Jury.