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A high-resolution aerial drone view of a large modern community recreation complex surrounded by suburban development. The building has a white roof with several skylights and dark exterior walls. In front of the facility is a large parking lot with numerous parked cars and landscaped islands. To the left are two blue tennis or pickleball courts and a rectangular sand court. To the right of the building is an outdoor plaza and playground area with winding concrete paths, circular planting beds, and a small pavilion. Sports fields with tall light poles are visible on both sides of the complex. Roads and sidewalks curve around the site, with rows of newly built houses along the perimeter. Behind the building, active construction areas, earth-moving equipment, and undeveloped grassy land indicate ongoing site development. The image is taken on a clear day with bright sunlight and minimal shadows.

The fences are coming down! Beginning Friday, July 10, at 9 a.m., residents can enjoy the Health and Active Living Plaza (HALP) Park (160 Jim Mortson Drive), East Gwillimbury (EG)'s largest park and newest community gathering space for residents to play, connect and explore outdoors.

Surrounding the HALP facility, the vibrant eight-acre park has been designed to bring people together through active play, outdoor recreation, learning and community connection. With construction substantially complete, the fences will begin to come down Friday morning, and the following park amenities will be open for residents to experience and enjoy:  

  • Junior and senior playgrounds 
  • Splash pad 
  • Courtyard with game tables  
  • Four pickleball courts 
  • Two beach volleyball courts 
  • Shade structures  
  • Shuffleboard courts 
  • Demonstration Food Community Garden 
  • Play lawn and open recreation spaces 
  • Junior soccer field

The following park amenities will open later this summer: the Reading Garden, skate park, pump track, and multi-use court. Permitting for all amenities, including the outdoor BBQ will begin this fall. Please respect all fencing and signage in these areas while crews finish the remaining construction.

"The opening of the HALP Park is a defining moment for East Gwillimbury and a reflection of our commitment to creating vibrant, healthy spaces where our community can thrive," says Mayor Virginia Hackson. "From the splash pad and playgrounds to the gardens and gathering spaces, the park offers something for everyone. I'm incredibly proud of the vision, collaboration and dedication that brought this project to life, and I can't wait to see residents and visitors make lasting memories here this summer and for years to come."

The $9.8 million park project was funded through development-related funding sources and reserves, with no impact on the municipal tax levy. The land was conveyed to the Town through the development planning process, ensuring this new community amenity was delivered at no cost to taxpayers.

Save the Date: Community Park Celebration

Residents are invited to officially celebrate the opening of HALP Park during a Community Park Celebration on Tuesday, September 1, from 3 to 9 p.m. The celebration will feature family-friendly activities throughout the park, entertainment, program trials, an outdoor movie, a vendor market, concert, and more. Vendor applications are now open. To learn more about the HALP Park, celebration or to apply to become a vendor, visit eastgwillimbury.ca/HALP.