The Town of Tillsonburg introduced the new Weston Family Park last Thursday with an official name unveiling ceremony.
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It is one of the five largest recreational parks in Tillsonburg, said Matt Johnson, Manager of Parks and Facilities, at the new park on Martin Street in the Northcrest 2 subdivision.
It has the town’s biggest playground, he said, and it is ‘busy all the time.’
“This park was basically developed by Will Hayhoe (Hayhoe Homes) and his team, and he actually put some upgrades in here,” Johnson said. “He went out of his way with all this curbing… and he’s going to connect through this (nearby) woodlot to another park at Bobolink Drive, so it’s going to be a whole network here. It’s been a good addition, I think.”
There are plans for a future gazebo, Johnson noted, and fitness equipment.
“We’re here to dedicate this fabulous park to an amazing family – the Weston family,” said Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy, joined by Councilors Pete Luciani and Chris Rosehart, at the unveiling ceremony. “The Weston family has deep roots in the town of Tillsonburg, dating back to the late 1800s. When speaking to Joan Weston about her family, I can see the sparkle in her eye and hear the pride in her voice about the lasting legacy her family has bestowed upon this town.”
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The new park honors five generations of the Weston family, starting with John E. Weston, who was brought in by ED Tillson, the town’s first mayor, to be the general manager of the Tillsonburg Agricultural Manufacturing Company. A town councilor for eight years, John E. went on to establish his own companies in the community.
The next generation, Dr. RE Weston, was a councilor from 1913-16 and 1920-27 and was mayor for three years. Dr. Weston, son of John E., served local residents at his medical practice for 50 years.
“Jack Weston, commonly known as Joan’s dad, was a town surveyor,” said Gilvesy. “Jack was a member of the Tillsonburg Kinsmen and he drew the design for the original (outdoor) pool and change-house, which has recently modernized and renovated.”
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Joan Weston, the great-granddaughter of John E., was Tillsonburg’s 2021 Citizen of the Year.
“Joan’s support for the community and this town is unwavering,” said Gilvesy, noting Joan has been a long-time advocate for the preservation of Lake Lisgar.
Kubet Weston, a fifth-generation Weston raised in Tillsonburg, “embraced the lake that Joan so dearly loves,” said Gilvesy, as a member of the local rowing team. Kubet went on to join the Canadian national rowing program (1997-2000 and 2002) and won a silver and two bronze medals at World Rowing Championships.
“These accomplishments are truly proud Tillsonburg moments,” said Gilvesy. “The naming of this park recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of the five generations of Westons… a name that will live on for generations to come.”
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“This is a lovely park,” said Joan Weston. “When I came here in 1882, there must have been something about the water, I don’t know, but his love for the town clearly was instilled in my grandfather… and dad was the town surveyor for 38 years, and because he worked for the town wasn’t able to hold office.
“This has always been home for the Westons… and I will do anything I can to make Tillsonburg a better place,” she concluded. “It is a great honor and we are totally honored the Town has done this for the family.”
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In November 2023, the Town of Tillsonburg announced it would be naming two new parks in 2024, asking for names to be submitted to a commemorative naming committee for consideration. A 60-day public consultation period followed, allowing the community to provide feedback on submitted names.
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