MEDIA RELEASE: $85,100 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Supports Inclusive Play in Centre Hastings Park
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, July 1st,2026
$85,100 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Supports Inclusive Play in Centre Hastings Park
(Pictured L-R: Centre Hastings' Councillor Mike Kerby, Mayor Tom Deline, Councillor Judy Brant, Councillor Kevin McLaughlin & MPP Ric Bresee, Hastings – Lennox and Addington)
Madoc, ON – On Wednesday, local MPP Ric Bresee met with representatives from the Municipality of Centre Hastings at Centre Hastings Park to celebrate the impact of an $85,100 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The funding supported the replacement of aging play structures with new equipment offering interactive, accessible, and sensory elements for young children. This project enhances community well-being by creating a welcoming and engaging play environment for children of all abilities.
“Our government is proud to support projects that strengthen communities and create more opportunities for families to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles,” said Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings – Lennox and Addington. “With this funding provided by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming’s Ontario Trillium Foundation, this investment in new children's play structures at the Centre Hastings Skate Park will provide a safe, welcoming space where children can play, families can connect, and residents of all ages can enjoy the outdoors. Congratulations to the Municipality of Centre Hastings on this exciting addition to the community."
(Pictured: MPP Ric Bresee announced an $85,100 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant during Centre Hastings’ Canada Day celebrations, supporting new inclusive and accessible sensory play equipment for local children and families).
The Municipality of Centre Hastings will use the $85,100 Capital grant over 12 months to replace outdated park structures with modern, vibrant sensory equipment that encourages exploration, interaction, and developmental play. The new features are designed to support inclusive play, ensuring that children of varying abilities can fully participate and benefit from outdoor recreation in a safe and stimulating space.
"This project represents an important step in making our community more inclusive and accessible for families," said Tom Deline, Mayor for Municipality of Centre Hastings. "We are grateful for the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation in helping us create a space where all children can play, learn, and grow together."
(Pictured: Mayor Tom Deline speaks during a celebration of new funding that will help make Centre Hastings’ community park more inclusive and accessible for everyone)
The Municipality of Centre Hastings is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and connected community through accessible programs, services, and infrastructure. The municipality continues to invest in initiatives that enhance quality of life, promote community engagement, and support future growth. For more information, visit www.centrehastings.com.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Alexander Kelly, Director of Finance / Deputy CAO
Municipality of Centre Hastings
613-473-4030
akelly@centrehastings.com
Brock Kerby, Community Development Officer
Municipality of Centre Hastings
613-473-4030
bkerby@centrehastings.com
$85,100 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Supports Inclusive Play in Centre Hastings Park
