What began as a dream shared by members of Mississauga’s Filipino community has become a public space they hope future generations will proudly call their own.

The Philippine Park Association, a volunteer-led non-profit established in 2025, is working with the City of Mississauga to preserve and develop Philippine Park, which was officially renamed this year after receiving unanimous approval from city council. 

While the park—inaugurated on June 27—belongs to the city, the association serves as its steward, helping organize community programs, partnerships and future improvements.

For vice president internal and treasurer Earl Francis O. Dacara, the project has always been about creating something that will outlast those who helped make it happen.

Earl Francis Dacara is vice chairman for internal and treasurer of the Philippine Park Association. Submitted Photo

“It’s not merely a park,” Dacara said. “It’s more than a park. It is a legacy of the Filipino people.”

That sense of legacy reflects the philosophy behind the association itself.

Established under Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, the Philippine Park Association was created to support the long-term vision for the park while working alongside the City of Mississauga and local organizations. 

Its mission extends beyond maintaining a green space to promoting Filipino heritage through education, recreation and community engagement.

Dacara, an immigration lawyer who has long volunteered in community organizations, said leadership within the association is rooted in service rather than titles.

“My focus is on helping build a strong organization that can continue serving the community long after any leader or individual has completed his or her term,” he said.

That approach also shapes how the association manages the project behind the scenes.

Dacara said fundraising is only one part of the organization’s responsibilities.

Equally important, he said, are transparency, accountability and building lasting relationships with volunteers, community organizations and the City of Mississauga.

“Every dollar entrusted to us represents the confidence of our supporters,” he said. “The goal is not simply to fund projects, but to build an organization that is sustainable, accountable and capable of serving future generations.”

The association also hopes Philippine Park, previously known as Max Ward Park, will become a destination that reflects both Filipino culture and Canada’s multicultural identity.

A gathering place

The Philippine Park Association hopes the park will continue serving as a gathering place for cultural and community events. Submitted Photo

While its mission celebrates Filipino heritage, Dacara emphasized that the park is intended for everyone.

“We believe that cultural appreciation brings communities together,” he said. “Our doors are open to everyone.”

That inclusive vision is reflected in plans currently being discussed for the park.

The association hopes future improvements will include cultural programming, educational initiatives and architectural features inspired by Filipino traditions. 

The entrance sign for Philippine Park marks the public space on Matheson Boulevard East in Mississauga, renamed in 2026 to recognize the contributions of Filipino Canadians. Submitted Photo

Among the ideas are a pavilion designed in the style of a traditional salakot and a Wall of Heroes recognizing prominent Filipino historical figures.

Dacara said the long-term goal is to transform the park into a gathering place where organizations can host festivals, educational activities and community events while introducing visitors of all backgrounds to Filipino culture.

Reaching that point required years of collaboration.

Dacara said one of the biggest challenges was securing support from the City of Mississauga while demonstrating why a park named after the Philippines deserved recognition.

Rather than focusing solely on the novelty of naming a park after a country, the association highlighted the contributions Filipino Canadians have made to the city through healthcare, public service, business and other professions.

Those efforts ultimately resulted in city council approving the renaming in a unanimous 12-0 vote. 

Dacara described the decision as a celebration shared by Filipino leaders and community members who had worked toward the project for years.

Community response, he added, has exceeded expectations.

“It has been like a dream,” Dacara said. “The credit belongs to the community.” 

He pointed to the large turnout of volunteers and supporters during the park’s inauguration as evidence of the pride many Filipino Canadians feel in seeing Philippine Park become a reality.

Although the association’s work is only beginning, Dacara believes success will ultimately be measured by how well future generations continue the project.

“If we help each other, cooperate and support this park, we have to understand that Philippine Park is a legacy,” he said.

Philippine Park is located north of Matheson Boulevard East between Satellite Drive and Orbitor Drive in Mississauga, Ont.

The volunteer-led organization serves as a steward of the park while working with the City of Mississauga on its long-term development. Submitted Photo