There is a new motion currently being considered by Norfolk County Council to build a public park.
The proposed park would be located in the Villages of Waterford subdivision, a plan that has raised some concerns among local residents.
The motion is being sponsored by council member Kim Huffman, who acknowledges that while not everyone is in support, she hopes the project—if approved—will have a positive impact on the community.
Huffman’s proposed name for the park is intended to honour a local Waterford athlete who rose through the ranks from playing with the Waterford Wildcats to achieving success in the NHL—Nelson Emerson.
Emerson enjoyed a 12-year NHL career, playing from 1990 to 2002 across eight different teams.
He is widely regarded as a respected role model for his hometown. Huffman notes that his hockey accomplishments are only part of the reason she believes he deserves this recognition.
Norfolk County’s current naming policy, in place since 2014, permits public assets to be named after individuals who have made significant contributions to the local community, especially in areas such as sports and recreation.
The proposal to name the park after Emerson has been submitted as a Notice of Motion and is expected to be debated at an upcoming council meeting.
County staff are currently reviewing whether the proposed name aligns with existing policies and bylaws. Huffman has reached out to Emerson, who was reportedly overjoyed at the possibility of receiving this opportunity.
Currently, Norfolk County Council has not received a lot of public feedback on the motion.
However, more residents are expected to share their opinions during the formal council discussion. It’s important to note that, even if the motion is approved, construction of the park won’t begin immediately.
This would mark the first new park naming in nearly a decade, and Huffman explains that this will influence the overall building timeline.
If approved, the Nelson Emerson Community Park will not only offer new recreational opportunities for families and residents, but also serve as a lasting tribute to a hometown hero who has inspired many, both on and off the ice.
Written by: Georgia Chambers