Newmarket, ON – April 10, 2026 – The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (Conservation Authority) will permanently close the leash-free dog park at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area, located in Bradford West Gwillimbury, at dusk on May 31, 2026. While the park has been a popular amenity for residents and their dogs, the decision follows a review of public safety concerns, evolving education program needs, and organizational priorities.
“The primary factor is public safety. Recent Simcoe County road expansions near the conservation area will significantly alter traffic patterns around the Bark Park entrance, making access increasingly hazardous. These conditions pose risks to park users, drivers, pedestrians, and staff, and the risks cannot be sufficiently mitigated if the dog park remains open,” said Phil Davies, Director of Conservation Lands for the Conservation Authority.
The site will now be repurposed to support expanded education programming. With the opening of the Conservation Authority’s new Scanlon Creek Nature Centre, the space will help increase capacity for hands-on environmental learning and better support programs focused on environmental education, stewardship, and community engagement.
Redevelopment of the area will further enhance security near the Conservation Authority’s works yard by better protecting equipment, infrastructure, and staff. Additionally, operating a leash-free dog park falls outside the core mandate of a conservation authority, and the focus of ongoing land-use planning is prioritizing activities that directly support conservation, education, and watershed management.
Transition and Next Steps
The Bark Park will close permanently, at dusk, on May 31, 2026. Visitors seeking off-leash options are encouraged to visit dog parks in nearby communities, including the Town of Aurora, City of Barrie, Town of East Gwillimbury, Town of Innisfil, Town of Newmarket, and Town of New Tecumseth.
Dogs will continue to be welcome at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area when kept on leash and under control, helping protect wildlife, natural habitats, and the safety of all visitors. The Conservation Area remains free of charge to users.
For more information, please visit https://lsrca.on.ca/index.php/enjoy-the-outdoors/trail-maps-and-closure-notices/
The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s mission is to collaborate to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed with research, policies, and engagement driven action.
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