Let’s continue our series on Parks and Recreation areas of Newmarket with a few more areas you should really check out!
DENNE BUSH
Bristol Road – 11.5 acres natural woodlot, walking trails
William Denne owned a 150 acre farm on Lot 99 fronting on Yonge St. A large maple woodlot was located at the east end of the lot as customary to supply firewood for cooking and heating the homestead, The bush remained and when Anglo-York developers planned a large subdivision in 1985 to remove it – objection was raised by conservationist and ombudsman Watson Sweezie who appealed to Ontario Municipal Board to save it. He advocated circumventing the bush by Bristol Rd. Finally it was agreed to run the road through a small portion of it leaving the rest intact.
DENNE RECREATION CENTRE
1O acres – in conjunction with Denne Public School
The Denne name was prominent during the late 19th and early 20th century.
Vincent Denne and his son Henry were millers, who operated a gristmill on Huron St. (Davis Dr,) The last surviving member was a daughter of Henry. She was a legend among generations of students in Newmarket noted for her strict discipline as a schoolteacher. She taught for over 40 years until retirement in June 1970 and named Citizen of the Year. She was born on Bayview Ave in. Woodlawn Manor, the Denne homestead (now the site of a regional building).
DENNIS PARK
13 acres – Cane Parkway = baseball diamond, soccer field, bleachers and playground equipment
Located on part of the farm on Lot 91E cleared by elder Dennis pioneers who came from Pennsylvania in 1804. A son Brook Dennis was born in 1815 and died in 1894. He had a family of ten children.
Latterly the farm was operated by his grandson Edgar Dennis until it was annexed by the town and sold to developers.
The homestead and barns now demolished were on the north die of Mulock Dr. west of the CNR tracks area known as Pearson’s Crossing.
DREW DOAK MEMORIAL PARK
11.5 acres – Carlson Dr. soccer field, tennis courts, playground
Drew Doak- accountant and realtor. Councilor 1964-1966 Mayor1957/8. He was a leader in minor sports and president of the Lions Club and active in municipal affairs being the recipient of civic award as Citizen of the Year in 1979. He died Dec.19, 1979 at age 46
EVANSLEA PARK
12.5 acres woodlot with 1.5 acre playground
Off Bray Circle west of Leslie St.
Elgin Evans was a farmer on west side of Leslie St When his farm was taken over by developers streets Elgin St. and Janette St. were created to recognize both Elgin and his wife Janette. Also a 1-acre plot between the streets was included and named Janette Park. Elgin died in 1974 and Janette in 1979
In late 1960 the United Church acquired the property south of Elgin St.; this was 15 acres adjoining a bush lot. A long controversy ensured which lasted for 20 years before being resolved. The church officials wanted to erect apartments for subsidized low rent housing that was strongly opposed by neighbors and the Town Council. It was finally resolved to use the area for link type housing and create a small circuit named Bray circle. The woodlot was named Evanslea Park because Elgin Evans had donated the subject property to the United Church
FAIRGROUNDS
19 acres between Muriel Ave. and Pine St.
Baseball diamonds (lighted), bleachers, clubhouse, and washrooms
The oldest area in town set aside for public use it was established in 1865 for the first Agricultural Fair. In 1866 a “Palace” was erected on the south side and a grand stand beside a racetrack. The Queen’s Plate was run here on June 17.1868.
Through the years it has had a colorful career for parades, circuses, festive occasions and a great variety of public gatherings. During World War ll. From 1940 to 1945 it was used as the parade ground for No.29 Canadian Army Military Camp. Muriel Ave. that was a part of the camp was opened by the town in 1951 and forms the east boundary of the present park. A large drill hall was located in the centre part of the old racetrack until it was torn down in 1960. Baseball and softball have always been the main sports activity on the fairgrounds. In 1951 the first floodlights were installed and again in 1977. During Newmarket’s Centennial Year it was the site for thousands of people to watch spectacular events – Highland Games, RCMP musical rides, circus, soccer and baseball games Major renovations were made in 1983 for further floodlighting and adding washrooms and dressing rooms. It was the only playground facility (except for schoolyards) until 1937 when the Lions Club Park was inaugurated.
The CURLING CLUB Newmarket Rotary Club
The Drill Hall for the military camp built in 1941 was purchased in 1956 by the curling club headed by “Tiny” Cathers M.P, P, its first president and called the York Curling Club This huge building was converted to a curling rink and used until it was torn down in 1960. A new curling arena was then built adjacent to the site on the north edge of the grounds and is still used for the intended purpose.
I might add that I have done countless articles on the Fairgrounds on this site and also presentations locally!
