Heart Your Parks Clarington

We know that residents value parks, trails and open space—they are a key part of why Clarington is a great place to call home.

In our recent Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan survey, you told us that enjoying parks and open green space is a top priority for Clarington residents.

We’re calling on residents to share why you #HeartYourParksClarington.

Giveaway Winners!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a comment or photo telling us why you love your Clarington park, trail or green space! Congratulations to Alison and Sarah, the winners of our #HeartYourParksClarington giveaways. They received a one-year swim/skate membership, Clarington swag and more fun prizes!

Sarah's daughter with her Clarington parks prize pack!

More Reasons to Heart Your Parks

Being able to access community parks, trails and open space consistently ranks as a top priority for the community, as seen in the recent Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan survey. But recent legislative changes have posed a challenge for municipalities: Bill 23, or the More Homes Built Faster Act, made changes to the Planning Act for new neighbourhoods that cut parkland dedication by as much as half.

New housing developments are required to either contribute land to the municipality for parks (known as conveyed parkland) or pay the municipality an amount that can be used to acquire parkland (known as a cash-in-lieu contribution). It is one of the municipality’s most important tools to balance demand for development with parks and open green spaces.

Despite these legislative challenges imposed by the provincial government, Clarington is committed to Responsible Growth as part of its 2024-27 Strategic Plan, and working with the development community on parkland dedications for new neighbourhoods, where possible.

As residents across Clarington step outside to embrace sunshine, warm weather – and all the activities that come with it – they may be surprised to learn that their favourite neighbourhood park is doing a lot more than filling free time: it’s also having a significant impact on reducing the negative effects of Climate Change.

More than 70 parks and lots of preserved green space can be found across Clarington – and the benefits stretch beyond offering residents a place to play, take an afternoon stroll or connect with others. It also:

Offers shade and cooling

Temperatures are expected to rise in Durham Region by 5℃ by the end of the century. Parks and greenspaces offer tree coverage and natural shade, resulting in a cooling effect for close surrounding areas. Densely populated areas such as towns and cities warm more than rural areas, making our parks and green spaces extra important!

Reduces the risk of flooding

Durham Region is expected to experience an increase of 250mm in precipitation by the end of the century. When water isn’t absorbed by the ground, it can travel to places like homes and businesses, causing damage through flooding. Parks, green spaces and other areas with soil absorb rainwater in ways that other materials like concrete, pavement, wood and metal cannot, reducing the overall risk of flooding.

Improves air quality

Vegetation, like trees and shrubs, naturally take in carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas (GHG) and the main contributor to climate change. By reducing the overall amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, parks and greenspaces help lessen the global warming effect. They also clean the air by taking in other damaging pollutants, which benefits both humans and the planet we call home!

So, the next time you’re out enjoying your local park or open green space, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work happening behind the scenes to help our planet! Just one of the many reasons why we #HeartYourParksClarington.

Clarington Council Hearts Our Parks

Watch as our Mayor and Councillors share why they think parkland is so important to Clarington.

Mayor Foster at Port Darlington East Beach Park

Regional Councillor Anderson at Stuart Park

Regional Councillor Woo at the Lions Creek Trail

Councillor Rang at the Bowmanville Valley Trail

Councillor Traill at the Dave Boyd Memorial Dog Park

Clarington Residents Show Their Love for Local Parks!

Hundreds of Clarington residents told us why they Heart Clarington's Parks by visiting a Clarington recreation facility, library or museum and colouring wish flags. The flags, which depicted swimming, basketball, pickleball, tennis, walking, splash pads, biking, cricket, baseball and everything in between, were collected and are now on display at Town Hall and Clarington recreation centres across the municipality.