New Ontario park features one of the longest skate trails in the province

A new park has officially opened to the public in Newmarket, bringing a massive new outdoor recreation area for the Ontario town where locals can do everything from relax and soak in some local history to grab a drink at the on-site café.

Located on the former Mulock private estate, a property purchased by a local politician in the late 1800s, the 16-acre Mulock Park was first approved by the Town of Newmarket Council in June 2021, with construction starting in January 2024.

Two years later, the preserved real estate has been transformed into a public green space surrounded by approximately 460 mature trees, 490 newly planted trees, and nearly two kilometres of paved pathways, allowing visitors to easily explore the area on foot.

The aim for the property has always been to preserve its greenery and natural state. "Council has instilled the importance of keeping Mulock Park natural," reads a 2024 quote from Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. Taylor added that the Town took ownership of the estate to enhance its "legacy as a place for environmental care," and that's the focus of the project. 

Beyond its classic park features, Mulock Park also boasts Woodland Loop, a 340-metre skate trail that winds through the trees, available to rollerblades and roller skates during the warmer months before the park freezes it over for some winter ice-skating fun.

Mulock Park's waterplay area that will transform into an ice-skating rink in the winter. Photo via: plant.

Woodland Loop, which circles the property and ends at the seasonal water play area, a transitional water park-to-skating rink amenity on site, is also "one of the longest refrigerated municipal trails in Ontario." 

The trail is free to enjoy, but no skate rentals are available on site. However, officials say pop-up rental events may take place throughout the year, where guests can rent skates on-site through temporary activations.

Also surrounded by the park's lush greenery and recreational amenities is the historic Mulock House, restored and repurposed as Chickadee Café, a lounge, an event space called the Glass Hall, and an art gallery sponsored by the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).

As part of the collaboration between Mulock Park and the AGO, the manor's second floor houses the gallery's Indigenous and Canadian collections and is free for guests to explore.

A shaded canopy by the skate trail in its construction phase. Photo via: plant.

Sustainability has been at the heart of this project since its inception, and as a result, guests will see features that help the Town further foster a green environment: solar panels in the park's parking lot, geothermal heating and cooling, and rain gardens incorporated throughout the site.

The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., although individual amenities have their own operating hours, available on the park's official website.  

Mulock Park is located at 33 Mulock Dr. in Newmarket, Ont.