The Municipality of Clarington yesterday announced it has acquired 20 hectares of land at 801 Maple Grove Road, located just west of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre.
The value of the transaction was not revealed.
The property, acquired on February 12, will become the site of a new outdoor Sports and Event Grounds, creating a central destination for active and passive recreation as well as large-scale outdoor community gatherings, said a municipal statement.
The Rotary Ribfest in Clarington in 2025 was cancelled as the traditional venue, the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre grounds, was not available (see below).
Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the overall vision for the Sports and Event Grounds as planning progresses over the coming months. Preliminary concepts being explored for the site include:
- A dedicated cricket field
- A municipally sanctioned toboggan hill
- Soccer fields
- A 3.5-hectare outdoor gathering space for major community events
- A covered stage for concerts and live performances
- Connected trails and parking
The statement said 2024 Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP) identified the need for the municipality to acquire a large parcel of land to accommodate new outdoor sports fields, including a dedicated cricket field, as well as large-scale outdoor community gatherings.
At the time, no suitable space was available within the existing park system to meet projected demand. This purchase fulfills a key recommendation of the PRCMP to support Clarington’s growing community, it added.
“We’re thrilled to announce the addition of this major new park space, and we’re really looking forward to making the most of it for everyone. This blank canvas could become the central heart of the community, where we host wonderful gatherings, like Canada Day. The potential here is very exciting,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “Thanks to the staff for all their hard work on this.”
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