The playground and splashpad will make the community park a destination within the community of Hallville. Tinkess Photo

HALLVILLE – It has been a long time coming, but on Sat., Aug. 1, shortly after 11:00 a.m. Hallville’s new community Park officially became the Brian Telford Community Park.

The event was extremely well attended, with every spot in the parking area filled, and vehicles lined both sides of County Road One.

In attendance along with several dignitaries were township staff, members of the Telford family members of the Hallville community, young and old, the people the park was dreamed of and eventually built for.

North Dundas CAO Meena Mullur acted as master of ceremonies for the event and introduced Mayor Tony Fraser as the first speaker. Mayor Fraser referred to how long this project had taken to bring it to fruition, with some thinking it had been 28 years, while others felt it had been an idea for almost 40 years.

“Many people have waited patiently for this day, and I know there’s been moments of frustration along the way,” said Mayor Fraser. “Change doesn’t always happen quickly. We’d like it to move quicker, but sometimes, it won’t. Large community projects often face unexpected challenges, rising costs, changing priorities, and the opportunities can reshape the original vision.

“But today, we can stand together and see what perseverance has created. What began as an understanding of the space was entered in the community space, a playground has grown into nearly a $3 million investment, thanks to a $2 million grant, combined with approximately $700,000 invested by our taxpayers, our community members. The addition of the splash pad transformed this project into a destination that families of all ages can enjoy.”

Mayor Fraser highlighted some of the features of the park:  An outdoor rink for winter recreation, and for summer recreation within the rink area there’s pickleball lines, tennis lines, (the nets are up, the courts are ready). There’s a basketball net for shooting hoop, a splash pad, walking paths, the pavilion, washroom facilities, accessible playground equipment, and green space that will continue to grow in the months and years ahead.

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn was the next to speak, and he kept his comments brief, congratulating the Township of North Dundas, the Parks and Recreation department and the residents on their new park.

“This is such a beautiful park and legacy of Brian Telford, and his commitment to the fire community, and the community at large. It’s really great to see a great turnout here today. But congratulations to North Dundas.

I know there is going to be a lot of use in the years to come, and the $200,000, I know went a long way, but I know there’s lots of plans for this park, and hopefully, you know, the rain is only a moment today, and not the rest of the day, because there’s dozens of children playing already, which is really great to see.

“Hallville is a growing community right now, so congratulations to North Dundas, Brandon (Cousineau, Director of Recreation and Culture), and his team here. This is such a great legacy for Brian, and you must be so proud of the unveiling that’s about to happen.”

Mayor Fraser returned to the podium to provide a snapshot of who Brian Telford was, and why naming this park after him was a logical decision.

“Brian was a person who understood and demonstrated that a strong community is built through service to others,” said Mayor Fraser. “As a dedicated member of the Mountain District Lions Club, a tireless volunteer, he quietly made our community a better place, and living just across the road, you watched this area for many years, and I can’t think of a more appropriate person to have his legacy permanently connected to a place that will bring people together. Brian’s name will remind future generations that communities simply don’t happen. They are built by people who care enough to give their time, their energy, and their hearts. And to everyone today, thank you for believing in the importance of investing in our community.

“I hope families fill this park with laughter, children discover new adventures, friendships are formed, on the courts and on the rink. I think of the hockey tournaments that are going to take place, the nightly games, the skating, the lessons learned, the ability, or whatever, with the walking paths are completed in the future, for people to come, congregate, seek peace and solace in the park, this is such a wonderful thing for the community of Hallville. So, let’s enjoy it, take pride in it, continue building on it together, and it is my honour to officially require Brian Telford Park open. Thank you and enjoy this wonderful huge space.

Brian Telford’s daughter Trina next spoke of her father on behalf of the family. “Nothing made him happier than seeing people come together, children laughing, families coming together, nature,” said Trina. “And I can’t think of a more fitting tribute for him than this park. This park isn’t just a park with his name on it. It’s a safe place where children will play. Families will gather and friendships will grow. Memories will be made.

“That is exactly what my father envisioned with this park:  A place that would bring the community together. And although he’s no longer with us today, having this park dedicated in his honour means that in some way, he will continue bringing smiles to the faces of those in the community for generations to come. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for honouring and remembering him in this way, and ensuring that his memory will continue. to live right on here in this community.”

Dermid O’Farrell, President of the Mountain and District Lions Club, the final speaker, told the crowd of Telford’s involvement in the Club, and how he believed the greatest service was in the service no one ever saw. “He understood that building a park wasn’t simply about a playground equipment or open green space,” said O’Farrell. “It was about investing in future generations. It was about creating a place where community could flourish.”

While family members, Township staff and dignitaries gathered near the sign bearing Brian Telford’s name for photos, all the guests were invited to enjoy a barbecue hosted by the Mountain and District Lions, and to enjoy the park that Brian Telford envisioned as a way of helping build his community.