Clarington breaks ground on first phase of trails in municipal park on former Bowmanville Zoo lands
Clarington has officially broken ground on the first phase of trails at a signature 13.7-hectare municipal park in Bowmanville, located on the former zoo lands. Expected to open to the public later this summer, the new trails bring to life the first phase of the Bowmanville Park Master Plan, which was developed with support from Valleys 2000 and in consultation with the Clarington community.
Made possible in part through $80,000 in community benefit funding from Hydro One through their work on the Durham Kawartha Power Line, the new network of trails will be located on the west side of the Soper Creek system and include a main four‑metre‑wide asphalt trail designed for everyday walking, cycling and rolling, along with several secondary crushed limestone trails that branch off and wind through the park.
Together, the trails will create about 700 metres of new pathways that help connect people to this beautiful natural area. Restoration and re-naturalization landscaping will include the planting of hundreds of trees and shrubs, along with benches and decorative armour stone along the route, creating welcoming places to stop, rest and enjoy the surroundings.
“We’re very excited that this beautiful property in the heart of Bowmanville will soon be discovered by our new residents and welcome back long-time locals. This marks the first step in creating a new Clarington landmark on the iconic site of the former zoo lands. Just wait until you see how this park project unfolds,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.
“Investing in community spaces like Bowmanville’s new park is reflective of our partnership with communities that host our critical electricity infrastructure,” said Bonnie Hiltz, Vice President, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Hydro One. “As we work together to meet increasing electricity demand, projects like this demonstrate how collaboration can also support local priorities and enhance everyday community spaces. We look forward to our continued work with the Municipality of Clarington to help advance shared goals and deliver meaningful benefits for local residents and communities across Ontario.”
“This groundbreaking represents far more than the start of a construction project. It reflects a shared vision for the future of Bowmanville. We are thrilled to see the first phase of this landmark project move forward, creating a beautiful new space where families and communities can connect with nature. This is just the beginning of a long-term vision for a signature park that will leave a lasting legacy of recreation, connection, and environmental stewardship for generations to come. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Municipality as we help build a greener, more active, and more connected future together,” said Kim Maxwell, President of Valleys 2000.
Over time, the park will continue to grow and evolve with the community, as funding allows. Guided by the Bowmanville Park Master Plan, the area will offer residents a welcoming outdoor space that honours the legacy of Soper Creek and the former zoo. Future phases will celebrate the site’s natural and cultural features through ecological restoration, gathering spaces, public art, and educational amenities – strengthening the community’s connection to nature and integrating seamlessly into the broader regional trail system.
Stay tuned for the opening of the trails later this summer and learn more at www.clarington.net/BowmanvillePark.
Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Kaitlin Keefer, Communications Officer
kkeefer@clarington.net
Contact Us
Address: 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6
Phone: 905-623-3379
TTY: 1-844-790-1599
