Enhancements complete: Doctors McLean District Park now open
The wait is over! Doctors McLean District Park (8100 Islington Ave.) has reopened ahead of schedule, welcoming residents back to a refreshed and improved space for play, recreation and gathering.
On Aug. 16, Mayor Steven Del Duca, Members of Council, representatives from the Government of Ontario and the community gathered to celebrate this milestone. Delivered through a partnership between the City of Vaughan and the Government of Ontario, the project represents a significant investment in recreation, accessibility and active transportation. The City contributed $3.3 million and the Government of Ontario is investing $3.5 million towards this project.
The newly enhanced park blends modern amenities with the area's natural beauty and rich heritage, creating a vibrant space where residents and visitors can gather, play and connect with nature.
The improved park features:
a new adventure playground with rubber safety surfacing
a brand-new splashpad
accessible park pathways
a new lit shade structure
additional trees and naturalization plantings that enhance the park's natural landscape
new seating areas throughout the park
a new river lookout
new trailhead, wayfinding and interpretive signage
new accessible connections between the parking lot, pavilions and washrooms
and so much more
The design thoughtfully integrates with the natural setting of Doctors McLean District Park while celebrating the area's unique history and its location within the Woodbridge Heritage Conservation District. The revitalization reflects Vaughan's commitment to preserving local character while investing in high-quality recreational spaces for current and future generations.
A key feature of the project is its contribution to city-wide trail connectivity. The park now includes an important link within the Vaughan Super Trail and Humber Trail network, with new pathways that connect the existing Riverwalk Neighbourhood Walk from Woodbridge Avenue to Clarence Street, including a new pedestrian bridge over the East Humber River, creating enhanced opportunities for walking, cycling and exploring the outdoors. This work is ahead of schedule and is expected to be completed later this year.
QUOTES
“It’s always exciting to celebrate the opening of an enhanced community space, and the improvements at Doctors McLean District Park are a wonderful example of what can be achieved when governments work together toward a common goal. Through our partnership with the Government of Ontario, we’ve transformed this park into a more accessible and vibrant destination for residents of all ages to enjoy. I would like to thank our provincial partners and City staff for bringing this vision to life. This project is about more than new amenities – it’s an investment in community well-being, environmental stewardship and an active, connected future for Vaughan. I encourage everyone to come out, explore the new features and create lasting memories.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“I am thrilled to see these VaughanTASTIC improvements at Doctors McLean District Park come to life. The revitalized park offers something for everyone, with a brand-new playground and splashpad, enhanced shade structures, improved parking and new landscaping that will be enjoyed for years to come. Thanks to the hard work of City staff, our partnership with the Government of Ontario and Mayor Steven Del Duca’s leadership, this exciting vision is now a reality. To the Ward 2 community: gather your family and friends, explore the new amenities and make the most of this space!”
- Councillor Adriano Volpentesta, Ward 2
“Our government is proud to support local infrastructure projects that lay the foundation for strong, resilient communities and make a real difference in people’s lives. The new and improved Doctors McLean District Park is part of Ontario’s $236 billion capital plan over the next decade to build and expand infrastructure that will create jobs and support economic growth.”
- Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure
QUICK FACTS
On Aug. 16, Mayor Steven Del Duca, Members of Council, representatives from the Government of Ontario and the community gathered to celebrate the reopening of Doctors McLean District Park.
Delivered through a partnership between the City of Vaughan and the Government of Ontario, the project represents a significant investment in recreation, accessibility and active transportation. The City contributed $3.3 million, with $3.5 million in funding provided by the Government of Ontario.
The improved park features a new playground, a new splashpad, enhanced connections between the parking lot, pavilions and washrooms, and more.
The next phase of work underway includes extending the Riverwalk Neighbourhood Walk, from Woodbridge Avenue to Clarence Street, and building a new pedestrian bridge over the East Humber River to connect the trail to the park. This is expected to be completed later this year.
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