June 08, 2023

Hillis Burnside Park unveiled in Markdale

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — The Hillis Burnside Memorial Park was unveiled to the public on a sunny June 7 in Markdale. The small but neatly appointed property between The Hair Shop and Speaking Volumes Books and Audio was the location of a ribbon-cutting and cake eating ceremony attended by Grey highlands staff and Council.

"It's a three-season community hub whose design supports pop-up markets and community gatherings," boasted Michele Harris, Director of Economic & Community Development for Grey Highlands. According to Harris, the park is a light open space which provides shade when needed.

"No tax payer dollars were spent," she proudly added, naming the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and Markdale Hydro Reserve as sources for the project's creation.

The space was formerly occupied by a variety store where fire broke out in 1941, destroying the store as well as a number of adjoining businesses and apartment. Tragically, fifty years later, another fire took several other buildings in the same historic block.

The property was donated to the municipality in 2004 and became the Hillis Burnside Park and underwent a modest design upgrade which served the community for almost two decades.

This latest design features steel posts, retractable awnings, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, benches and easy-to-maintain artificial grass.

"Keep an eye on this space," said Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen. "It s vital to our community." McQueen added that the park fits in with the 'walkable community" strategy with access to it from Main Street and rear parking lots.

 

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