Clarington Commences Redevelopment of Former Bowmanville Zoo into Public Park

Clarington has begun the first phase of redeveloping the former Bowmanville Zoo lands into a municipal park, according to a statement published on the municipality’s website on June 25, 2025. Early work includes assessing the existing bridge and designing walking trails for the 13.7-hectare (34-acre) property along Soper Creek, near downtown Bowmanville.

The redevelopment aims to make the site accessible to the public with a focus on providing walking trails. This information is significant for residents interested in the future use of the well-known former zoo area and the timeline for public access.

Municipal staff are currently examining the grounds and infrastructure in preparation for developing the planned trails. According to the release, construction of the trails is expected to begin in fall 2025. The municipality stated that the trails are planned to open to the public in 2026, following the completion of construction.