On July 28, 1971 Mayor Newman revealed a proposal for a sports complex in Whitby known as Iroquois Park. Original designs included a stadium, race track, arena, swimming pool, and amusement park. It was a bold design that intended to put Whitby on the international sporting map.

Mayor Newman's proposal received criticism from Toronto politicians who argued that Whitby was not a suitable location for such a development and competed with plans for planned sports complexes in that city. But he hoped the plan would draw development to the area and create an economic base and cultural and recreational opportunities east of Toronto.

In order to pay for the proposed $70-million sports complex, Mayor Newman proposed a province-wide lottery to raise funds for the project. Unfortunately, he was unable to secure approval for the lottery and thus the proposed complex was downsized. In 1974, a 1500-seat arena was completed and an indoor pool was added in 1975.