Our New Collection Celebrates What Makes Each Park Unique
There’s something special about having a connection to our parks. Maybe it’s the hiking trail where your family gathers for an annual Thanksgiving Day walk. Or the fishing spot where your dad taught you to cast your first line. Or the park you return to year after year, because it’s where you can pause the noise of everyday life and listen to the sounds of nature. These moments become part of our stories, creating memories that bring us back, season after season.
Those connections inspired the new Credit Valley Parks Collection, a merchandise line inspired by five of our beloved parks, to celebrate the places that mean so much to our visitors.
Reflections of Our Parks
Each crest was thoughtfully designed to capture a unique identity of a Credit Valley Park. They were inspired by landmarks, natural features, wildlife and outdoor activities that capture what visitors know and love about each park. The Credit Valley Parks Collection is visually striking and deeply connected to the natural spaces we cherish.
The Story Behind the Crests
While each park crest is unique, they share a common design that celebrates the element found throughout Credit Valley Parks. Each crest features the sun, sky, water, native vegetation, an iconic park feature and a signature activity that reflects how visitors experience the space. The designs are intentionally focused on spring and summer landscapes, highlighting the vibrant season when many visitors make memories in our parks.
Belfountain Conservation Area
Inspired by Belfountain‘s heritage and scenic landscape, the crest features the iconic suspension bridge and fountain, framed by the towering Niagara Escarpment and the park’s picturesque waterfall. Together, these elements reflect the natural beauty and historic charm that make Belfountain a popular destination for exploration.
Island Lake Conservation Area
The Island Lake crest showcases the park’s expansive lake, islands and renowned Bob’s Bridges along the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail. Waterfowl soar overhead, while the setting sun pays tribute to the spectacular evening views at Island Lake. Hiking, birdwatching and time spent on the water are reflected in the design, highlighting some of the park’s most popular experiences.
Terra Cotta Conservation Area
Honouring both the area’s natural heritage and CVC’s history, the Terra Cotta crest features the belted kingfisher, a bird found within the park and a symbol from our original logo. The design also incorporates the park’s trails, wetlands, Wolf Lake and mixed forest landscape, reflecting some of the natural features that make Terra Cotta a popular destination for hiking and wildlife viewing. Terra Cotta holds a special place in our story as the home of CVC’s first head office.
Ken Whillans Conservation Area
Designed to celebrate the park’s reputation as a premier fishing destination, the Ken Whillans crest features the Niagara Escarpment, a rainbow trout and the park’s large water bodies, which provide ample shoreline access for anglers. Fishing is highlighted as the park’s signature activity, while the surrounding landscape reflects the natural beauty that draws visitors year-round.
Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area
Reflecting the park’s transformation and lakeside setting, the Jim Tovey Lakeview crest captures the feeling of standing along the shores of Lake Ontario, with the horizon stretching into the distance. Sailboats and birds reflect the park’s lakeside character, while a bald eagle symbolizes the thriving wildlife found along the waterfront. Shoreline vegetation and wetlands showcase the landscape as it exists today, highlighting the park’s important role in restoring nature along Mississauga’s waterfront.
Meet the Local Designer Behind the Crests
Our Credit Valley Parks Collections was developed in collaboration with local talent, Craig Steffan, Art Director at Black Maple Trading, a Canadian lifestyle brand known for its Canadiana-inspired designs. Craig is from the Orangeville area and grew up visiting Island Lake Conservation Area where he participated in the Earth Keepers Program in elementary school. He has also spent time exploring parks throughout the headwaters region which inspired the thoughtful designs behind the Credit Valley Parks Merchandise Collection.
Show off Your Park Pride
We’ve been inspired by many visitors who share a special connection to our parks. We love the shared experiences, the stories and the way our parks have become important places to visit.
Our new Credit Valley Parks Collection is now available in our Park Stores. Your purchase helps advance conservation work and create opportunities for people to connect with nature across the Credit River watershed.
Stop by your favourite park and see our nature-inspired collection in person. We hope the collection helps celebrate your connection to the parks and the experiences that keep you coming back. Merch can also be purcased online at https://blackmapletrading.com/pages/credit-valley-parks
Tag us on social media when you wear your merchandise and share your park pride.
By Jamie Williams, Specialist, Marketing and Communications