It’s official! At its June 11, 2025 meeting, Council gave the green light to an exciting project that will transform Simon Park into a vibrant cultural hub — a go-to destination for festivals, events, and community gatherings. The centrepiece: a dynamic festival-style plaza designed to bring the community together year-round.
“The citizens of Clarence-Rockland truly value coming together as a community,” says Mayor Mario Zanth. “Simon Park is already a popular gathering place — whether it’s for the Clarence-Rockland Festival, the CR Markets, or many other events throughout the year. I’m thrilled to see it evolving into an even more vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.”
“As we developed our 2025 Recreation and Cultural Master Plan, we took time to speak with residents about their vision for the future. We heard loud and clear that community members want a new cultural space to attend festivals, listen to concerts and come together.”
A new sports hub with a dome near Clarence-Rockland Arena
The tennis courts and ball field will move to a proposed new dedicated sports area near Clarence-Rockland Arena which includes a dome for indoor sportssuch as regulation soccer field and indoor football, as well as two outdoor soccer fields and two ball fields located on 15-acres. This sports hub was first identified in the 2016 Recreation Master Plan and reaffirmed in the 2025 Recreation and Cultural Master Plan. To minimize disruption, the tennis courts and ball field at Simon Park will not be removed until the new facilities open.
An exciting, revitalized Simon Park
As part of the revitalization plan, aging infrastructure will be removed to make way for new and exciting community spaces. The arena building which would require extensive repairs and significant financial investment is slated for removal. Earlier this month, the aging bandshell was also taken down after it was deemed unsafe due to extensive mold. These changes mark the first step toward transforming Simon Park into a vibrant, modern hub for residents and visitors alike.
Both the Simon Park revitalization and new dedicated sports area will be phased in through Council direction, additional community consultation and subsequent funding approvals.
Funds from the sale of surplus land at Simon Park, as well as development charges from anticipated new development, will help fund these vital park, recreation and cultural improvements that all community members will enjoy.
Commemorating our builders
“We will also be exploring ways to commemorate our community leaders and park builders,” says Mayor Zanth. “This is the beginning of a conversation on how to commemorate individuals and community groups who have shaped our city — including W.C. Edwards, Ferdinand Larose, and others. Staff, community members, Mayor and Council will work together to ensure their legacy is honoured in a meaningful way. They will not be forgotten.”