City set to celebrate opening of Norton Community Park

Burlington, Ont., July 10, 2012 - The city is set to "officially" open Norton Community Park with a neighbourhood celebration Saturday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

"The community has been test-driving the park for a few weeks now - and loving it," said Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster. "Now we're ready to celebrate this amazing park with a party, and everybody is invited."

There'll be skateboard and BMX demonstrations in the state-of-the-art skate park, flag football scrimmages in the football field, a chance to cool off on the splash pad, and much more.

"The community told us it wanted a park that family members of all ages could enjoy together," said Chris Glenn, Burlington's director of parks and recreation. "And we listened. That's why you'll see a skate park tucked in beside a splash pad, playground, a leash-free area and two sports fields. Norton Park will become a focal point of the Alton community."

Norton Community Park is connected to a much larger project in the Alton community. It is directly across the street from the yet-to-be-named Alton campus. The campus, scheduled to open in September 2013, includes a three-storey high school, a public library and a community centre.

"Burlington has seen considerable growth in the Alton area," said Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring. "And city council is pleased to see projects like Norton Park and the Alton campus help make this neighbourhood even more vibrant."

The festivities begin under the pavilion at 11 a.m. Saturday, with messages from Mayor Goldring and Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster.

Following the ceremony, the action moves to the skate park for BMX and skateboard demonstrations. At the same time the Burlington Stampeders U18 and U16 flag footballers take to the field.

Plus there will be frosty cold freezies, free miniature soccer balls and other surprises.

There is plenty of parking, brand new public washrooms and an excellent playground. Bring the entire family.

Norton Community Park is at the northeast corner of Tim Dobbie Drive and Dundas Street. 

The park includes:

• skate park with extra long approaches for BMX bikes too
• two lit artificial-turf sports fields for soccer/football and soccer/field hockey
• splash pad
• pavilion with washroom facilities
• playground
• two half-court basketball courts
• fully fenced leash-free dog park
• ample parking

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