New Mississauga park that features a walking trail and public art opens this week

A one-kilometre trail, outdoor fitness equipment and a serene view of a stormwater pond can all be found at Mississauga’s newest park, which officially opens this Saturday (May 14).

Saigon Park, located on Matheson Blvd. just west of Hurontario St., will welcome area residents, visitors, Mayor Bonnie Crombie and other City of Mississauga officials to its opening ceremonies beginning at 2 p.m.

The park recognizes the Vietnamese-Canadian community, members of which found refuge in Canada during the Fall of Saigon in April 1975.

Festivities on Saturday will include an unveiling of the permanent public art piece, A Year in Weather, to stand at the park.

City officials say the park also offers a pier with lookout points to a serene stormwater pond.

The pier at Saigon Park offers beautiful and relaxing views of the stormwater pond. (Image: Ward 5 Councillor Carolyn Parrish Twitter)

In addition to the official ceremony, Saturday’s park opening celebration will also include a number of activities such as live entertainment, a bouncy castle, food vendors and a fireworks show.

Ward 5 Councillor Carolyn Parrish, other members of council, City staff and a representative from the Vietnamese-Canadian community will also be on hand.

Mississauga officials say Saigon Park “pays homage to Mississauga’s friendship with the Vietnamese-Canadian community.”

They add: “The name Saigon represents the values of democracy, freedom and harmony to the Vietnamese-Canadian community who found refuge in Canada when they were forced to flee Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon in April 1975.”

The City notes that community groups and all levels of government responded more than 45 years ago with compassion and welcomed 60,000 Vietnamese refugees to Canada.

Count down begins! Official opening of Saigon Park, Matheson west of Hurontario, Saturday May 14th staring at 2 pm. A few guest speakers then full out food, bouncy castles, singers, dancers and displays. Fireworks moved to just after 8:30pm as sunset gets later. 🤞🏼good weather! pic.twitter.com/d0mX0hSGRD

— Mayor Carolyn Parrish (@carolynhparrish) May 7, 2022