City Breaks Ground on Martin Tavares Park
Good news – a new place for recreation and play is coming to the Ward 4 community – Martin Tavares Park.
On Sept. 11, Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council gathered to break ground on Martin Tavares Park, a 7.87-hectare (19-acre) district park that will serve residents in the Peter Rupert Avenue and Rutherford Road area and beyond.
Located at 130 Martin Tavares Way, the district park is being designed as a vibrant gathering place where residents of all ages can play, stay active, connect with nature and come together as a community.
Once complete, Martin Tavares Park will feature:
- a three-court tennis facility
- a multi-use sport court
- a basketball court
- junior and senior playgrounds
- a splashpad
- a park building with washrooms and changerooms
- an open lawn area
- an outdoor fitness circuit
- a local off-leash dog area
- and so much more
The park is expected to be open for play in spring 2028.
Martin Tavares Park is named in honour of former City of Vaughan employee Martin Tavares, who passed away in April 2022. During his 20 years with the City, Martin played a significant role in the planning and development of parks and open spaces, helping to expand Vaughan's network of parks and trails for residents to enjoy. In recognition of his dedication and lasting contributions to the community, Council approved a Member's Resolution in May 2022 to name the park in his memory.
QUOTES
“Last week's groundbreaking marks an exciting milestone for the Ward 4 community and another important investment in Vaughan's growing network of parks and open spaces. Martin Tavares Park will provide residents of all ages with exceptional opportunities for recreation, fitness, relaxation and connection for generations to come. This park is especially meaningful as it honours the legacy of Martin Tavares, whose dedication and vision helped shape many of the parks and trails that residents enjoy across our city today. On behalf of Council, I would like to thank City staff and everyone involved in advancing this project. We look forward to welcoming the community to this incredible new park when it opens in 2028.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“This is great news for the residents of Ward 4. I was proud to introduce the Member’s Resolution to name this park in honour of Martin Tavares, whose work helped expand and strengthen our city’s parks system. I want to express my sincere thanks to City staff from across the organization who are helping make this park a reality. As this park takes shape, it will create new opportunities for residents to come together as a community and play, while serving as a lasting tribute to Martin and all he contributed to our city.”
- Deputy Mayor, Local and Regional Councillor, Linda Jackson
“I am thrilled to see construction begin on Martin Tavares Park, a significant addition to the Ward 4 community that will provide residents with new opportunities to connect, stay active and enjoy the outdoors. It is especially fitting that the park is named in honour of Martin Tavares, whose dedication to enhancing parks and open spaces has left a lasting legacy across Vaughan. I would like to thank Mayor Steven Del Duca, my Council colleagues and City staff for their collaboration and commitment in making this project a reality.”
- Councillor Chris Ainsworth, Ward 4
QUICK FACTS
- On Sept. 11, Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council gathered to break ground on Martin Tavares Park, a 7.87-hectare (19-acre) district park that will serve residents in the Peter Rupert Avenue and Rutherford Road area.
- Located at 130 Martin Tavares Way, the park is being designed as a vibrant gathering place where residents of all ages can play, stay active, connect with nature and come together as a community.
- Martin Tavares Park is named in honour of former City of Vaughan employee Martin Tavares, who passed away in April 2022 and was integral to the planning of numerous parks within Vaughan.
LEARN MORE
- vaughan.ca/parks
- Park naming Member's Resolution
- Park naming Report
