Oshawa has announced the completion of construction of two new parks.
A statement said the new Sandy Hawley Park is located on Kentucky Derby Way, north of Britannia Avenue West in the Tribute Communities Dantonbury subdivision. The park features a playground and the city’s newest splash pad.
Incorporating community engagement feedback, the park pays tribute to the neighbourhood’s rich history and offers a variety of opportunities for active and individual play. The park features a farm-themed playground structure and a garden-inspired splash pad. The surrounding park area contains a 7 vs 7 soccer field, a half basketball court, and an accessible multi-use path that connects to the E.P. Taylor woodlot.
Original to the Windfields Farm site, the large boulder was moved beside the play area and surrounded by wood fibre safety surfacing to integrate it with the play features and provide a unique play experience. Several other features of heritage significance were included, including a stone pillar inspired by the former front gates of Windfields Farm, and an original concrete fence post from the Harriet Cock farm, formerly located at what is now the southwest of the intersection of Windfields Farm Drive West and Simcoe Street North.
The park also features concrete bench pads with wheelchair access. Additionally, tree plantings and naturalized areas connect the natural environment throughout the park.
Sandy Hawley Park is named in honour of Oshawa native and member of Canada’s Horse Racing Hall of Fame and the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame, Sandy Hawley.
Mr. Hawley, member of Order of Canada, was named Canada’s top athlete twice and was also inducted into the United States National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
An official ribbon-cutting is tentatively planned for April 2022 with Mr. Hawley and members of his family in attendance. For more information about Sandy Hawley Park, visit the City’s Parks and Facilities module or to learn more about park redevelopment projects, visit Oshawa.ca/parks-trails-development.
Community members using outdoor amenities and visiting Oshawa parks and trails are reminded to adhere to safety protocols, government orders and health authority guidelines amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am proud to see this amazing space named in honour of such a legendary Canadian athlete and Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame inductee,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “Thank you to all community members that provided feedback to create this unique park and play space that honours Oshawa’s rich heritage.”
Charles P.B. Taylor Parkette
Charles P.B. Taylor Parkette is located on Windfields Farm Drive West, north of Britannia Avenue West in the Tribute Communities Dantonbury subdivision.
The parkette is located west of the E.P. Taylor Woodlot and Sandy Hawley Park, all of which pay tribute to the neighbourhood’s rich history.
The parkette offers both active and passive recreational opportunities where community members of all ages can enjoy climbing, swinging and balancing on an interactive log and beam play structure that includes an accessible swing. The park also features accessible picnic tables and seating as well as paved walkways.
Charles P.B. Taylor Parkette is named in honour of Charles Plunket Bourchier Taylor, in recognition of his commitment to thoroughbred racing, to Windfields Farm and to our community. Taylor was a celebrated Canadian journalist, author, essayist and thoroughbred racehorse owner/breeder.
His lifetime contributions, vast knowledge and extensive involvement in the thoroughbred horse racing and breeding industry in Canada and North America earned his unanimous election into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1996. Mr. Taylor succeeded his father E.P. Taylor as president of Windfields Farm in 1983 until his passing in 1997.
“The City of Oshawa, its citizens, and the land upon which the farm stood were held in high esteem by Charles during his lifetime. He loved this farm and the families of people and horses that lived on its acreage. Yet he also looked to the future and was keen about the community that would take shape after its days as a breeding farm had passed,” said Mrs. Noreen Taylor, wife of the late Charles P.B. Taylor. “And, looking around, here it is: a vibrant new community that will build on the achievements of the past. While I wish that he was here to see his vision come to fruition, I know that he would be pleased to experience this transformation and most proud to be recognized in this manner.”
“It is my pleasure to officially welcome the Charles P.B. Taylor Parkette into our family of City parks,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “Along with the E.P. Taylor Woodlot and the recently completed Sandy Hawley Park, this parkette helps form the perfect trifecta when it comes to offering our residents beautiful greenspaces to enjoy while also honouring the Windfields Farm legacy.”