One of Mississauga’s newest parks celebrates anniversary

One of Mississauga’s newest and most unique parks celebrated its first official anniversary over the weekend.

Saigon Park, located on Matheson Blvd. just west of Hurontario St., welcomed area residents, visitors of Vietnamese descent, other visitors and entertainers on Saturday to mark one year of its official reopening under its new name.

Mayor Bonnie Crombie and other City of Mississauga officials were also on hand at the park, which recognizes the Vietnamese-Canadian community. Members of that community found refuge in Canada during the Fall of Saigon in April 1975.

A one-kilometre trail, outdoor fitness equipment and a serene view of a stormwater pond can all be found at the Mississauga park, which officially opened May 14, 2022.

SAIGON Park on Matheson Blvd continues to attract Vietnamese visitors from all over Ontario and well beyond. This talented, graceful dance troupe from Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph entertained beautifully at the park’s one year anniversary celebration yesterday. pic.twitter.com/9H11pbtVOU

— Mayor Carolyn Parrish (@carolynhparrish) May 28, 2023

A permanent public art piece, A Year in Weather, also stands at the park.

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

They added: “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.