Centennial Park to Be Enhanced with Support from Provincial Grant

Centennial Park, a premier outdoor recreation space in Harrowsmith, is set to receive new amenities and major upgrades, thanks to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund from the Ontario Ministry of Sport.

The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is a $200 million over three years capital funding program designed to revitalize existing community sport and recreation infrastructure and support the construction of new facilities across the province. South Frontenac Township will receive up to $665,000. The grant will cover 50% of the total project costs with the Township’s portion already approved through the Capital Budget process.

The project will take place between Summer of 2025 and Spring of 2027. Funds from the grant will aid in several updates and the build of new amenities, including:

• Accessible pathways throughout entire park connecting to all amenities
• Building a new community use facility based on the design of the Gilmour Point Building. This new amenity will serve as a year-round, fully accessible facility.
• Creation of a Disc Golf Course
• Rehabilitation of the large baseball diamond
• The addition of an Accessible/Inclusive Play Structure
• Accessible/designated parking

“The investment and support in our biggest and busiest outdoor activity hub will enhance Centennial Park's capacity to serve as a vibrant community hub / premier recreation destination for residents and visitors”, says Mayor Ron Vandewal. “The rehabilitation will ensure the park meets the evolving needs of the community. Further, amenities such as a new community use building, new paved walkways to interconnect its amenities as well as an upgraded play structure will provide for improved accessibility at the site. We would like to thank not only to MPP John Jordan, but the province for this substantial contribution.”

Centennial Park, encompassing 936,927 square feet of land, is a key recreational destination within South Frontenac. The park integrates forested and open landscapes with amenities developed over several years, including upgraded washroom and canteen facilities (2025), pavilions, baseball and soccer fields, net sport courts, playgrounds, dog park, and roofed multi-purpose pad which, for example, is used for concerts, farmers markets and Stocksport.

“Centennial Park is a valued community space, and we’re proud of the work our team does to keep it welcoming and well-maintained,” says Tim Laprade, Manager of Recreation and Facilities. “Parks play a vital role in community connection and resident well-being. We sincerely thank the Ontario Ministry of Sport for supporting this important revitalization project, and we’re especially grateful to the dedicated staff who played a key role in preparing the grant application.”

The CSRIF is a cost-shared program launched as part of the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario to foster healthier and more active lifestyle for families, make sport more accessible, and help more communities across the province host local, national and international sporting events and competitions.

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