Where our past meets our future

NEWMARKET’S VERY OWN CENTRAL PARK

Majestic, pristine, gorgeous and oasis, are just a few of the words that have frequently been used to describe Newmarket’s historic Mulock Property. The 16-acre future park site includes welcoming greenspace and a historic home, all in the centre of urban Newmarket at the northwest corner of Mulock Drive and Yonge Street. Purchased by the Town of Newmarket in 2018, this landmark property has a storied past and bright future ahead as a central gathering space for the community.

The residence that exists on the property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. It will be preserved by the Town and considered for uses that will best serve the community. Located along the Yonge Street growth corridor, this gem will continue to be a much-needed greenspace in what will be one of the most densely populated areas of town.

The Mulock Property contains layers of diverse histories, starting with, the Indigenous First Nations. In the late 1800s, Sir William Mulock, a politician, jurist, educator, agriculturalist and philanthropist, made his home on the Newmarket property, hosting influential people from all walks of life. The property was owned by the Mulock family for six generations. The vision for the property is to become a landmark outdoor greenspace, inspired by iconic civic spaces like New York’s Central Park.

INTRODUCING PLANT ARCHITECT INC.

In 2019, The Town of Newmarket partnered with PLANT Architect Inc. (PLANT) to continue with the visioning consultation exercise and Concept Master Plan development for the Mulock Park. The awardwinning firm co-led the revitalization of Toronto’s renowned Nathan Phillips Square. PLANT’s team offers traditional landscape architect expertise, married with heritage and Indigenous specialties to elevate the Mulock conceptualization and create a space where everyone feels welcome.

“…I shall pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now, let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again”

- Sir William Mulock

#MyMulock

ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO (AGO) IS COMING TO THE MULOCK HOUSE!

In the summer of 2022, The Town was thrilled to announce an official partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario that will see artworks from the AGO’s Indigenous and Canadian collections displayed at the historic Mulock House when the Park is expected to open in 2025.

SHAPING THE VISION

Over the span of two years, thousands of community members came together to learn about the Mulock Property and share their experiences of the area and their ideas for the future of the iconic property. Based on various conversation and engagement with local residents, Town Council, school groups and community leaders, five guiding principles emerged. Make it a destination, keep it natural, root it in diverse histories and look forward, create inclusive and accessible spaces and connect it to our town.

In 2020, three themes were created based on all of the feedback received, which were then narrowed down to one preferred concept plan. The final Master Plan is truly a community vision that will come to life - A place where community, life, recreation, culture, heritage and conservation collide in innovative and engaging ways. Building on the public feedback, the plan for the Mulock Property includes a skate trail with a connected marshalling rink which converts to a water feature in the summer. A riverine fountain echoes the landscape of the Oak Ridges Moraine, while providing safe water play for all ages. A greenhouse conservatory will provide a beautiful four-season indoor garden space which links to a studio space for a rotating artist residency. An Indigenous landscape is being developed in consultation with our First Nations neighbours, while a fire pit and natural playscape offer additional experiences. All of this will be thoughtfully linked to the Mulock House with beautiful landscaping, restoration of ecologically significant areas, and a network of paths and gardens.

Design for these spaces is advancing rapidly, and the Town of Newmarket is excited to move forward with construction.