Bloomingdale Park, 1031 Snyders Flats Rd.
Parks and Trails
Parks & Playground Locations
The Township has many parks and trails for you to explore! Cycling trails, dog parks, an accessible playground, splash pads, skate park, picnic areas, walking trails and so much more!
Parks & Playground Locations
Breslau Memorial Park, 10 Joseph St.
Hopewell Park, Ravenswood Rd.
Conestogo Park, 26 Evening Star Ln.
Priddle Park, Golf Course Road
Ann Street Park, 47 Ann St.
Aspen Park, Aspen Cr.
Bitternut Park, 20 Bitternut Pl.
Bolender Park, 38 Church St. E.
Bristow Creek Park, 22 Harness Lane
Bristow Skate Park, First Ave. W.
Crane Park, 75 Peregine Cr.
Elmira Nature Reserve & the Habitats
Gibson Park , First Ave. E.
Gore Park, 85 Arthur St. S.
Industrial Park, Park St. W.
Lion's Park, 220 Barnswallow Dr.
Memorial Park, 105 Arthur St. N.
Park Manor, 18 Mockingbird Dr.
Victoria Glen, Victoria Glen St.
Westfield Park, 90 Killdeer Rd.
Weymouth Park, 25 Weymouth St.
Floradale Park, 12 Florapine Rd.
Heidelberg Park, 2915 Lobsinger Line
Maryhill Park, 58 St. Charles Street
Sunset Hills Park, Sunset Hill Cr.
Optimist Park, King St. N. & Northside Dr.
Riverside Meadows, 3 Water St.
Schaner Park, Isabella St. S.
Snider Park, 29 Parkside Dr.
Valleyview Park, 190 Water St.
Letson Park, 1232 Rivers Edge Dr.
Gole Park, 15 Covered Bridge Dr.
Woolwich Trails Information
Check out our listing of trails for more information on locations and groups available.
Woolwich Trails Group Hikes are BACK!
“Seasons” Fall Hike, Elmira Nature Reserve Thursday Sept 19, 9 am
Please respect all trail users and private landowners by abiding to the following:
- Stay on marked routes and do not leave the trail
- Owners MUST keep dogs leashed and stoop and scoop (Township of Woolwich By-law #36-93)
- Respect the privacy of people living adjacent to any trail
- Hunting is not allowed on or near any trail
- Do not disturb farm animals or wildlife
- Leave flowers, plants and trees for others to enjoy
- Abide by the signs regarding permitted trail use
- Please stay to the right and allow others to pass to your left
- Motorized vehicles are not allowed on trails except for snowmobiles on designated sections of the Kissing Bridge Trailway
- Cyclists are to ring their bell or call out to announce their presence when approaching other trail users
- Leave nothing but thanks and take nothing but pictures
Recreational vehicles (ATVs, 4x4s and motor bikes) and horseback riding are not permitted on public trails in Woolwich Township for safety reasons.
Charges under the Trespass to Property Act can be laid against anyone found on properties without permission.
If you witness recreational vehicles or horseback riding on a public trail or are a landowner experiencing a problem with trespassing, call the Waterloo Regional Police at 519-570-3000 and request a cruiser and report the incident to the Township of Woolwich By-law Division at 519-669-6000.
Please keep our trails safe and clean for all users!
As a courtesy to other trail users, you must keep your dog on a leash at all times on public trails as per Township By-law #36-93. This By-law also states that dog owners must clean up after their pet. Owners are liable for their dog's actions under the Ontario Dog Owners Liability Act. Both offences carry a fine up to $350. Dog waste must be bagged and disposed of in the proper manner. The Township's Animal Control Officer monitors trail usage by dog owners.
Elmira and St. Jacobs both host Off Leash Dog Parks. Information is available below.
The Woolwich Trails Group promotes hiking and biking in the Township. The Township boasts 10 public trails totaling more than 90 kilometres. Trail uses in the Township include walking, running, cycling, cross country skiing and snowmobiling where designated. Our volunteers lead organized hikes between March and November. The group also distributes A Guidebook to Woolwich Trails which includes maps and descriptions of all the local trails.
The Guidebook to Woolwich Trails offers full colour mapping, GPS locators, Municipal Emergency Addresses, Trail facts and tips for safe hiking. Check out the Woolwich Trails Group website for a full list of locations where it is available for purchase.
Township of Woolwich Dog Parks
96 Southfield Dr, Elmira
This location is proudly sponsored by Elmira Pet Products. The Elmira Dog Park is a .8 acre fenced location. Parking is available on South Field Drive (96 Southfield Dr. Elmira). Please be mindful not to park on Oriole Parkway East, as this space is used by the Elmira Scouts.
Dogs must be leashed between the parking lot and the fencing.
Please note that there is no winter maintenance. The park is considered "open" from May 1st to October 31st.
3 Water St., St. Jacobs
The St. Jacobs Dog Park is an unfenced park, located in an wooded area just South of the sewage treatment plant. Access is off of the Health Valley Trail, or off of Princess St. (near Riverside Meadows Park). Parking is available near the St. Jacobs Fire Station.
Dogs must be leashed between the parking lot(s) and on the Health Valley Trail, until you have reached the Dog Park signs.
Please note that there is no winter maintenance. The park is considered "open" from May 1st to October 31st.
Please adhere to the following rules, when using Township of Woolwich Dog Parks:
- All dogs MUST have up to date vaccinations, rabies shots and license tags
- Use the off leash area at your own risk; no winter maintenance.
- Dogs must be leashed while entering and exiting the off leash area
- Due to the natural environment, no smoking, treats or food please
- Not every dog shares well with others, please use toys with care
- You are responsible for your dog. Please keep your dog within sight and under verbal control
- Please pick up after your dog
- No puppies under 4 months, female dogs in heat, unneutered, sick dogs or aggressive dogs
- Dogs required by law to be leashed and muzzled must remain so while in the off leash area
- Children MUST be supervised by an adult AT ALL TIMES
- Parents are advised this site is NOT suitable for young children
- Off-leash area users are subject to the Dog Owners’ Liability Act.
For comments or concerns, please send us an email.
Coyote Sightings & Dog Park Safety
There have been coyote sightings in the areas of the dog parks.
We are lucky to have an abundance of naturalized areas in the Township, which many wild animals call home. There have been coyote sightings reported in the areas around the dog parks, and other Township trails. Although coyotes are wild animals and can be dangerous, coyote sightings are generally not something to be alarmed by.
Please note the following safety tips:
- Do not approach or feed coyotes
- Please supervise your dog(s)
- Poop and scoop
- Coyotes are highly attracted to pet feces. Cleaning up after your dog will help prevent attracting coyotes to the area
- Carry a noise-making item, like a whistle
- If you see a coyote, make noise and stand tall. Do not run. Pick up small dogs if you think a coyote is near
- Avoid trails at dusk and dawn
- Leave treats and food at home
If you feel threatened, call 911.
- Use address 35 Albert St. E. St. Jacobs for the St. Jacobs Dog Park. This is the address for the trail entrance.
- Use address 75 Oriole Parkway E. for the Elmira Dog Park
General Information about Coyotes:
- Coyotes are normally wary of humans and avoid people whenever possible. Typically they pose no danger, but people need to be aware that there are potential risks to small dogs, other pets and even humans if threatened.
- Coyotes are generally shy, cautious and non-confrontational, but can be curious and experimental
- Coyotes vary in colour from blonds to reds to browns
- Coyotes are very adaptable and can do well in any area that includes forest areas or other areas where the food source is plentiful. They inhabit farmlands and other natural valley lands, ravines and parks of urban areas.
- Coyotes provide benefits to agriculture and urban areas by assisting in the control of small mammals such as mice, rats, rabbits, groundhogs and woodchucks
- Coyotes tend to be most active at dusk, dawn and throughout the night
- Sightings across Ontario have been increasing over the past number of years
- Learn more about Coyotes on the Ministry of Natural Resources Website.
- The City of Kitchener has developed a Coyote Fact Sheet, which also has useful information
Request for Permission to Access Township Lands
A “Permission to Access Park & Trail Property” permit is required anytime a contractor or homeowner plans to enter onto Township owned parkland, greenspace, or trails with any type of equipment or vehicle for the purpose of accessing private property. This policy is aimed to control access, prevent any damage to Township owned lands, and ensure the safety of park and trail users. Common examples of when you may need a permit include making improvements to your property such as landscaping, building a deck or fence, or installing a pool or hot tub.
Applying for a Permit
- Complete the access permit application to apply for your permit at least two weeks before you would like to access Township property.
- Obtain a certificate of insurance, completed by your insurer, with at least $2 million in coverage identifying the Township of Woolwich as an additional insured.
- A $2000.00 refundable damage deposit is required at time of application. Failure to return Township property to pre construction conditions will result in forfeiture of the damage deposit.
- Bring your payment of $75/day of access plus damage deposit, certificate of insurance, and completed application to the Woolwich Memorial Centre at 24 Snyder Avenue South in Elmira.
- There is no guarantee that your application will be approved.
Check with Building Services to see whether a Building Permit is also required.
For further information, please contact the Recreation and Community Services staff or call 519-514-7000.
Road Access
The Township also regulates work that is occurring on municipal roads, sidewalks and boulevards. You must apply for a work permit if you need to use or access any of these rights-or-way for a project or activity. Contact the Infrastructure Services at 519-669-6041.
Woolwich Memorial Centre
Customer Service
24 Snyder Avenue South
Elmira, Ontario N3B 1Y9
519-514-7000
Email
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