Over 600 students joined the City of Brantford and East Ward Echo Place Neighbourhood Association to celebrate the official opening of the new Arrowdale Community Park on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Located at 375 Rawdon Street, the site is home to Brantford’s biggest new park in the last 100 years.
With 17 acres of recreational space, the park features 1.7 kilometres of paved pathways, playground equipment and swings, a large splashpad, skateboard park, multi-use sports court, picnic areas, off-leash public dog park, a shade structure, and a dedicated sledding hill for the winter. An Indigenous garden is also planned for the near future.
The park sits on land that was once part of the 49-acre, municipally owned Arrowdale Public Golf Course. Retaining 17 acres of public parkland, the rest of the 32 acres was sold to Elite M.D. Developments in late 2022 for $14-million to obtain funding for affordable housing.
Acknowledging that the sale of Arrowdale generated significant public discussion, Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis said he was ultimately happy with what the new park has become.
“I know this space has a rich history and has meant different things to different people over the years, and that not every chapter of its story has been easy for this neighbourhood,” he said. “But what we are opening today isn’t just a park. It is a true four-season destination designed to bring people together, and I’m proud of what we’ve built here.”
During the big event, students from King George Public School, Major Ballachey Public School, and Holy Cross Catholic School took part in a host of festivities.
Children spent their time running around the playground equipment, eating hot dogs on the lawn, jumping on inflatable play structures, testing their skills on the multi-use sports court, taking a train ride around the area, and running through the splash pad.
Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony got underway, Ward 4 Councillors, Linda Hunt and Richard Carpenter, both addressed the crowd of children present.
“I am very happy to see this park open,” said Hunt. “I grew up just half a block down the street here, and when I was your age, I went to the school right next to the park, which was then called F.C. Bodley, and then I went to King George. Who’s from King George here?”
In response to her question, the students of King George cheered as loud as they could, bringing a smile out of the councillor.
She continued, “Growing up in this community, it really is nice for me to be here for the opening of the Arrowdale Community Park, and I hope you all have a great time. Thank you so much for coming, and I look forward to seeing you around the park.”
Jennifer Elliot, the City’s Director of Engineering Services, later told the Brant Beacon that while bringing the park to life was a lengthy process involving environmental, heritage, archaeological and soil studies, public consultation and detailed planning, she was thrilled to see everyone enjoying the space.
“It was fabulous to see all three schools from the area today. It was great to hear them laugh and watch them play. I feel like a proud mom,” she said, with a smile. “…We did make a significant archeological find here in the park. We’re currently protecting it, and we’re working with our Indigenous nations to expand that area and honour the Indigenous heritage of Brantford and this park, so this is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see that come to fruition.”
Armanda Lambert, Chair of the East Ward Echo Place Neighbourhood Association, said the new park was a tremendous addition to the neighbourhood and was happy to celebrate its official opening.
“We are proud to have been part of today’s celebration and look forward to seeing children, families and residents enjoy this space for years to come,” she said.
Elementary School student Evelijn Klassen, King George Elementary School student Kwynn Santiago, Mayor Kevin Davis, Holy Cross Elementary School student Amanda Evlin Meshach, and East Ward Echo Place Neighbourhood Association representatives Mike Godfrey and Armanda Lambert.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
