New-look park might also get a new name in Mississauga

A large park in Mississauga’s east end that recently reopened after being closed for nearly two years for major upgrades and additions might get a new name as well.

Gulleden Park, located beside Burnhamthorpe Community Centre in the Dixie/Burnhamthorpe roads area, should be renamed Ternopil Park in recognition of the City of Mississauga’s new sister-city agreement with the western Ukrainian municipality and the growing and active Ukrainian community in Mississauga, a motion to be discussed next week at city council reads.

Tabled by Ward 3 Coun. Chris Fonseca, in whose ward the park is located, the motion, if approved, would direct senior city staff to prepare a report on the requested name change and bring the information to the Heritage Advisory Committee in November for further approval prior to a final green light from city council.

In the motion’s preamble, Fonseca noted:

• The city recognizes the importance of fostering international relationships that promote cultural exchange, economic cooperation and global engagement.
• The city entered into a twinning partnership with Kariya, Japan in 1981 and subsequently named a Mississauga park for the Japanese city.
• Mississauga and Ternopil, Ukraine entered into a twinning partnership earlier this year.
• Ternopil recently renamed a number of public spaces and facilities after Mississauga to mark the new sister-city pact.
• Mississauga is home to a growing and active Ukrainian community that contributes significantly to the cultural and civic life of the city.
• St. Sofia Byzantine Catholic Elementary School, which offers a Ukrainian bilingual program and backs onto Gulleden Park, is home to many residents of Ukrainian heritage.

Gulleden Park in the east end of Mississauga officially reopened on June 20 complete with a number of new amenities and upgrades. It might also get a new name (Photos: City of Mississauga)

Following city council’s approval on April 29 that Mississauga establish a sister-city relationship with Ternopil, the cities’ mayors signed official documents on May 15 joining the two cities “as long-term partners fostering international friendship, among other benefits,” Mississauga officials said earlier this year.

The twinning agreement follows similar pacts signed between 16 other Canadian and Ukrainian cities, officials said earlier this year.

Reimagined park offers many new additions

The renovated Gulleden Park officially reopened in June to offer residents many new upgrades that include:

• A refrigerated ice skating rink with summer programming options that include roller-blading.
• Two dedicated pickleball courts, a multi‑use court (including for basketball) and two lit tennis courts.
• A community spray pad and upgraded playground.
• An accessible trail system to support walking, rolling and inclusive mobility.
• An outdoor fitness area with equipment for all skill levels.
• Junior skateboard features for beginners, including small ramps, rails and seat walls.
• New tree planting and pollinator gardens to support environmental sustainability and habitat creation.

(Cover photo: City of Mississauga)