Lakeshore dedicates park amenities to community advocates

Matt Weingrden – Lakeshore News Reporter

At the Canada Day festivities on Friday, July 1, the Municipality of Lakeshore officially dedicated two Millen Park amenities to honour former Woodslee residents and community advocates. 

First, council members, residents, and family members dedicated the park’s pavilion to Richard Joseph “Joe” Croson. Croson, who died in 2000, was a pioneer in helping secure the land and funding for Millen Park. 

He served as a councillor for the former Rochester Township and was a tireless advocate for the community, with a particular interest in youth recreation and sport. 

The pavilion dedication was followed by a ceremony for the official unveiling of the Dr. Stephen F. Millen Trail. Dr. Millen, who died in 1961, was a lifelong resident of Woodslee and served the community as the area’s resident doctor and as the Medical Officer of Health for the former Townships of Maidstone and Rochester. 

After the plaque unveiling, Council and community members celebrated the dedication with an inaugural walk around the trail. 

“These dedications will serve as a reminder of two of the modern pioneers of Woodslee,” said Lakeshore mayor Tom Bain. 

“Both Joe and Dr. Millen were strong supporters of the community, and this park is a testament to their impact. As a Council, we are proud to honour and commemorate their contributions to our municipality.”

Photos courtesy Alex Dennonville/Municipality of Lakeshore