New manager hired for Village Green
Creemore Village Green is welcoming its new manager, as the park prepares for its first full summer season.
Jeremy Mantesso has been hired this month to manage and activate the park, which was built by Creemore Community Foundation and officially opened last August.
“I’m here to champion everyone’s efforts and their ideas,” said Mantesso, whose initial focus has been on planning “Sundays in the Park.”
The Sunday programming through July and August will include a variety of morning fitness activities and a diverse line-up of live music on the stage in the afternoon. The community is invited to bring a picnic and spend the day in the park, against the backdrop of the fountain and splash pad.
The goal is to have family friendly activities and entertainment that engages residents and visitors, and supports the downtown businesses.
The stage will also be utilized in partnership with other events such as Turas Mor and Copper Kettle Festival, hosted by Creemore Springs Brewery, and the Summer Solstice, hosted by Creemore BIA.
Mantesso is a graduate of the hospitality program at University of Guelph and over the last few years developed a food product line that was sold at retailers in the region since 2020. He and his wife moved to Creemore, where his parents retired, and have been putting down roots, with the intention of raising a family.
“Damn Good Dips was great for me in a lot of ways, it got me out and into the community,” said Mantesso, which he said ended up being the part of the job he loved most.
When reassessing his career he said he was looking for something as fulfilling, engaging and creative.
“I just really want to stay an active member and contributor in my community,” said Mantesso.
“I am quite confident that Damn Good Dips will live on in some capacity,” he said, adding that he is entertaining offers to take over the business.
Creemore Community Foundation recently reported that $3.8 million was spent on construction of the park, including planning and construction, with some minor costs outstanding for work to the stage and spring planting materials for the Creemore Horticultural Society.
A total of $4.15 million has been raised with another $457,000 in pledges to be paid over the next few years, not including the land donated by TD Bank estimated at $425,000. In total, 225 residents and businesses have contributed to the campaign, including 19 founders who each contributed $100,000 or more, and 30 members who have committed $25,000 to $100,000 to the project.
The park is available to the community and people don’t need to book it for their activities. In fact, the park cannot be booked but is open for wedding photos and gatherings. People looking to inquire about the use of the stage can get in touch with Mantesso at manager@ creemorevillagegreen.ca or 705-466- 6555. He will be working out of an office at 2 Francis St. E.
