The Bradford West Gwillimbury community is mourning the loss of Phyllis Henderson.
In 2009, she and her late husband Cyril donated 97 acres of farmland on the southwest corner of 9th Line and 10th Sideroad to the town to be used as geeenspace.
In 2016 the town began construction on Henderson Memorial Park at 3171 Line 9. It officially opened in May 2018.
The park includes play structures, soccer fields, and a rolling landscape with natural features, such as a creek system and a small woodlot.
For 17 years, the property had a bed and breakfast. It was also a popular spot for school trips in the early 90s.
"It was with deep sadness that I heard of the passing of Phyllis Henderson. It was a tremendous donation that Cyril and Phyllis Henderson gave to the Town. I can remember when the Henderson's invited school classrooms to tour their farm so children could enjoy the rural lifestyle. Their gift to the Town of BWG will continue to allow family's to enjoy the outdoors in a rural, parklike setting," said Mayor Rob Keffer.
A private funeral will be held on Tuesday and livestreamed here.
-with files from Jenni Dunning