New lounger pads coming in 2025
Will Dwyer Park includes a concession building, walking/bike paths, irrigation, a rotary fountain, outhouses, pumphouses, lounger pads, beach volleyball court, and an arboretum. The twin basketball court doubles as an outdoor rink in the winter.
The family washrooms at the nearby Centennial Park building are heated and remain open year-round, 8am–5pm. All washrooms in the building are open May 1 to November 30, 7am–9pm.
Barrie City Council passed a motion on June 27, 2022, to rename Centennial South Park as Will Dwyer Park.
About William 'Will' Dwyer
William 'Will' Dwyer, a second World War veteran with 25 years of military service, and a recipient of the Queen's Jubilee Medal, a Barrie Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow and a City of Barrie Spirit Catcher Award. A passionate fundraiser, he supported the Barrie Legion Poppy Fund for 15 years and raised over $1.2 million for the Terry Fox Foundation, earning him the iconic title: Million Dollar Man.
Waterfront Heritage Trail
The Waterfront Heritage Trail runs through Will Dwyer Park. The trail is approximately six kilometres from White Oaks Road to Penetanguishene Road, offering an historical experience around the length of Barrie’s waterfront.
Osmond ‘Ossie’ Rowe Pedestrian Bridge
City Council passed a motion to name the bridge on September 12, 2016. The pedestrian bridge in Will Dwyer Park (previously Centennial Park South) was officially named in honour of Osmond "Ossie" Rowe on April 27, 2018.
