Toronto 
Newmarket’s newest major public space is ready to open. Mulock Park, a 16-acre property at Yonge Street and Mulock Drive, welcomes visitors for the first time on Friday, September 18, with a three-day grand opening running through Sunday.
Credit: Town of Newmarket
Built on the former Mulock Estate, the park combines trails, natural areas, public art, recreation and the restored Mulock House. The Town describes the project as its “most significant capital project,” and opening weekend offers the first chance to see how those pieces come together.
What to See & Do:
This is more than a walk-through of a new park. Opening weekend includes live performances, visual art, local history, dance and art workshops, roller skating, kite flying, wellness activities and children’s programming.
Visitors can also explore Mulock House, see artwork from the Art Gallery of Ontario and stop by six information stations to learn about the property.
Most activities take place across the park, so expect an outdoor visit with plenty of ground to cover.
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Explore the Park:
Mulock Park includes trails, natural areas and the Hollow Log Play Park, a natural discovery playscape with sand, water and climbing features. Some elements were created using wood salvaged from the site.
Another major feature is the Woodland Loop, a 340-metre refrigerated skating trail. The property also includes an Artist Studio, the Glass Hall event space and public art installations.
See AGO Art Inside Mulock House:
The restored Mulock House includes a 2,000-square-foot gallery on its second floor, created through a partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario. Admission to the curated exhibitions is free, with works drawn from the AGO’s Indigenous and Canadian art collections.
Visitors can also see restored areas of the historic house, including a library lounge in Sir William Mulock’s former study. The first floor houses the Chickadee Café, operated by Newmarket-based A Million Mouthfuls Catering.
What is happening during opening weekend:
Grand opening events run from September 18 to 20. Friday and Saturday include retro roller skating and a DJ party, while Saturday’s Mayor’s Picnic with Strings and Jazz begins at 6 p.m. on the Great Lawn.
There will also be performances throughout the weekend, children’s activities at the Little Forest Theatre, wellness programming, discovery tour stops, art displays and opportunities to take part in creative activities.
What to Bring:
A picnic blanket and reusable water bottle will be useful, and refill stations are available. Bring socks if you plan to use the free roller skate rentals, and a swimsuit and towel for the water play feature.
There is no ATM onsite, so visitors planning to buy food or other items should bring cash or a credit or debit card, depending on what individual vendors accept.
How do you get there on opening weekend:
Visitors have several options, including a free opening-weekend shuttle. Shuttles will run from the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex main entrance at 100 Eagle Street West and the Magna Centre east entrance at 800 Mulock Drive.
There is an extra incentive for using the shuttle. Each passenger will receive one complimentary Town of Newmarket recreation single drop-in pass and an entry into a prize draw. Prizes include tickets to the Art Gallery of Ontario, Mirvish Productions and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto.
The Town is also encouraging visitors to walk, cycle or take transit. Mulock Park connects with Newmarket’s trail and multi-use path network, and York Region Transit and Viva stop at the main entrance at Yonge Street and Mulock Drive.
What You Need to Know
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Mulock Park, Yonge Street and Mulock Drive, Newmarket
Parking: Free. There are 40 spaces at 33 Mulock Drive (restricted during the event) and more than 200 spaces at 16830 Yonge Street.
Transit: York Region Transit and Viva stop at the park’s main entrance.
Plus free shuttle on the opening weekend.
Accessibility: Paved trails, ramps, accessible parking, universal washrooms and elevator access in Mulock House are available.
