Nature at your doorstep: new trails to explore on 13.7-hectare municipal park in Bowmanville

Looking for a quiet space to connect with nature? Residents can now explore 700 metres of new public trails on the former Bowmanville Zoo lands. The new trail network marks the first completed phase of the Bowmanville Park Master Plan, a long-term vision to transform one of Bowmanville’s most memorable properties into a 13.7-hectare municipal park.

The paths are located along the west side of the Soper Creek system and include a main four-metre-wide accessible asphalt trail for walking, cycling and rolling, as well as several secondary crushed limestone trails that branch off and wind through the natural landscape. Hundreds of trees and shrubs have been planted to help restore and re-naturalize the area, while benches and decorative armour stone create welcoming places to stop, rest and enjoy the surroundings.

“Welcome back to an iconic piece of Clarington’s history! We’re so excited to open the trails and welcome everyone to this beautiful new greenspace in the heart of Bowmanville. As our community grows, we’re so fortunate to be able to protect this urban parkland for our residents,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “This is a legacy we can all be proud of, and I can’t wait to watch the community’s vision for this space continue to unfold in the years ahead.”

The first phase of trails, made possible in part through $80,000 in community benefit funding from Hydro One through its work on the Durham Kawartha Power Line, will eventually connect to a broader “Circle of Green” – a network of trails envisioned to link the Soper Creek system with other green spaces throughout Bowmanville.

"Strong communities need both the infrastructure that powers everyday life and the public spaces that bring people together," said Bonnie Hiltz, Vice President, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Hydro One. "As Ontario grows and electricity demand increases, Hydro One is investing in the system needed to support that growth while also supporting local initiatives that enhance the communities we serve. The new trails will give residents more opportunities to spend time outdoors and enjoy this evolving park for years to come."

The former Bowmanville Zoo lands were officially transferred to the Municipality in 2021. The vision for the site has been shaped over several years, beginning with an initial park concept prepared by Valleys 2000 through a community design workshop. Continued conversations, engagement opportunities, and public consultation helped refine the plans for this unique new space, and the final Bowmanville Park Master Plan was approved by Council in 2024.

“Valleys is thrilled to celebrate the opening of these first-phase pathways, marking a significant milestone for our community. Transforming the Zoo Lands property into a world-class Signature Urban Park is a visionary, multi-year journey requiring thoughtful planning, investment and collaboration. Valleys is proud to partner with the Municipality of Clarington as we continue planning and developing the future phases of this important community parkland,” said Kim Maxwell, President of Valleys 2000.

The park will continue to evolve over time into a signature destination that celebrates the natural beauty and history of the land. Future phases may include a welcome centre, natural play areas, an outdoor amphitheatre, additional trail connections, demonstration gardens, gathering spaces, and places for art and cultural installations. Designated parking is also anticipated as the park develops.

For now, residents can experience the new trails through Mearns Park to the north or from the south entrance near King Street East and Mearns Avenue.

For more information, please visit www.clarington.net/BowmanvillePark.