Plans are underway for a Newcastle historic salmon hatchery park, with the Municipality of Clarington inviting residents to help shape the design of a new neighbourhood green space tied to local heritage.
Belmont Park, located at 155 Belmont Drive in Newcastle, will feature a multi-skills court for basketball and ball hockey, a playground, walking paths, shaded seating areas, and open green space for community use.
The park site sits next to the historic Belmont House, a heritage property originally built in 1816 and rebuilt in 1896 after a fire. The home was renovated in recent years and is currently listed for sale.
Belmont House was once home to Samuel Wilmot, who rebuilt the residence in 1896 and is credited with playing a major role in salmon conservation. Wilmot conducted early salmon hatching experiments in the home’s basement before establishing the first fish hatchery in Upper Canada on land adjacent to the property. He later helped create several other hatcheries across the region.
Clarington officials say the Newcastle historic salmon hatchery park will incorporate storytelling and interpretive signage to celebrate Wilmot’s legacy and the area’s environmental history.
The project is currently in the design phase, and residents are encouraged to provide input on playground features, equipment styles, and colour palettes before February 6. The most popular ideas will be included in the final design, ensuring community input becomes a lasting part of the park’s story.
