After years of preparation, the Town of Newmarket is beginning construction of its signature Mulock Park with tree removal.
Aurora-based Matheson Constructors Ltd. was named as the contractor for the work in December and work is now getting underway, the town said in a news release.
The first stage of construction is selective tree removal, focused on removing invasive species and trees in poor health. In total, 150 of the 610 trees on the property will be removed. More trees will be planted than removed, with the total on the property expected to be 950 when completed, the town stated.
"Council has instilled the importance of keeping Mulock Park natural since the beginning, and I'm impressed by the incredible thought, care and expertise that has gone into every stage of design to fulfill this guiding principle," Mayor John Taylor said.
With construction getting underway, the town said fencing will go up at the property to maintain a safe construction site. The project may include traffic from construction vehicles during the week on Yonge Street and Mulock Drive, though the town said it is working with the contractor to ensure minimal disruption.
To guide tree removal and replacement, the town has developed a tree stewardship program focused on naturalizing key parts of the existing space. The program states that three times as many trees will be planted as removed, that trees removed should get used for other purposes, and that new building sites be carefully selected to ensure the building does not damage the canopy or its roots. All new trees planted will also be native species.
“As with any landscape and construction project, there will be some digging and removals happening before it can all be put together and come to life,” the town said. “The tree stewardship program is focused on creating a healthy ecological system to transform a beautiful property into a park with a full ecology strategy to ensure trees within the park grow and thrive for generations to come.”
“The town purchased the storied Mulock Estate to bring it into public ownership and build on its legacy as a place for environmental care and social gatherings,” Taylor said. “Some trees will come down shortly to make way for this vision, but in the end, Mulock Park will be a beautifully treed, open green space, and multi-faceted park that the community can enjoy for generations to come."
Future elements of the park will include an artist studio, skating pavilion, a natural playground, trails and more.
You can learn more and get updates at heynewmarket.ca/mulockpark.
