Harrington CA

• Open to Public: Yes
• Size: 6 ha (15 acres)
• Entry Fee: None
• Permitted Activities: Hiking, dogs-on-leash, fishing, canoeing on pond, picnicking (all other activities prohibited)
• Facilities: Picnic tables, benches, small parking lot, trail, viewing platform
• Address: 963656 Elizabeth Street, Harrington, off Oxford Rd 28 (Oxford County Rd 96)
• Managers: Harrington and Area Community Association
• Trails: 1 km foot trail
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
• Links: Explore Harrington, Township of Zorra (map)

This small day-use conservation area, located just south of Wildwood CA, is centered on an old mill dam and pond. There is a picnic area on the west side of the pond near the parking lot access, and a reconstructed mill on the east side of the dam. On the pond, look for Canada Geese, Mallards, and a pair of Mute Swans that are often present. A 1-km trail circles much of the pond, which is fringed by trees and shrubs. Note: part of the trail may be inaccessible, so you will have to double back. Pollinator gardens were planted by the UTRCA and community members in 2002.

The Harrington and Area Community Association have managed the site since early 2000s. There are education signs describing the history of the site.

Trees are planted in the day use area every year through the Thamesford/Zorra Township Memorial Tree Program. This is a partnership project of the UTRCA and Zorra Township.

History

Interest in acquiring the Harrington dam site for the creation of a conservation area dates back to 1948. However, the existing dam and spillway required repairs and, in anticipation of purchasing it, engineering plans for a new and larger dam and spillway were commissioned. In 1952, the UTRCA purchased the existing dam and pond area from Robert Duncan. Additional lands were acquired from William Simpson, Levi Nimock, and George Robinson. In total, some 12 acres were obtained.

Repair work on the dam and pond was completed in 1952. In 1966 the Authority acquired the old mill from Mr. Duncan. It was one of the few remaining water-powered grist mills in western Ontario. The original mill was built in 1846 by Mr. Demerest and was purchased by Mr. Duncan in 1920. That mill was destroyed by fire in 1923 and replaced by Mr. Duncan the same year.” (Source: 25 Years of Conservation on the Upper Thames Watershed, 1947-1953, UTRCA).