Parks, Recreation and Culture

Recreation continues to be an important part of community life in Centre Hastings.

From playgrounds and parks to ball diamonds, trails, the splash pad and the Madoc and District Recreation Centre, recreation opportunities continue to support residents of all ages throughout the year.

Families are enjoying improved playground spaces, children are participating in seasonal programs, local teams are using municipal facilities, and residents continue to gather for events, activities and outdoor recreation. Youth Drop-In programming returned this summer, public skating and Learn to Skate continue to provide affordable recreation opportunities, and staff are moving forward with a variety of park and facility improvements.

Recreation is about more than buildings and equipment. It is about creating spaces where children can play, families can connect, volunteers can contribute, and residents can enjoy healthy and active lifestyles close to home.

Thank you to the many staff, volunteers, coaches, organizations and community partners who continue to make recreation possible across Centre Hastings.

Investing in recreation means investing in community.

Over the past several years, Centre Hastings has continued to make improvements to recreation facilities and public spaces that serve local families and visitors.

Recent projects include:

✅ $85,100 Ontario Trillium Foundation-funded playground improvements featuring interactive, accessible and sensory play equipment

✅ Replacement of a major red slide structure valued at approximately $50,000

✅ $16,000 approved for skate pad resurfacing and concrete repairs

✅ Ongoing splash pad maintenance and repairs

✅ Continued improvements to parks, green spaces and recreation amenities

These projects help create welcoming spaces where children can play, youth can stay active and families can spend quality time together.

Small improvements add up over time, and each project contributes to a stronger recreation system for the entire community.

An Update on the Pool Reserve Fund

Many residents continue to care deeply about recreation opportunities for children and families, including the former pool.

The Pool Reserve Fund remains protected under Council's October 2025 direction and has not been redirected.

The fund was originally approximately $185,000. Following a donor request, $8,500 was reallocated to other recreation activities, leaving approximately $176,500 in the Pool Reserve Fund.

The remaining balance reflects both community fundraising contributions and a municipal contribution.

Council has directed that these funds remain available until December 31, 2030, for an eligible, feasible, externally led pool project that would not require municipal funding or operation.

In the meantime, Centre Hastings continues to support recreation through park improvements, playground upgrades, trails, arena operations, youth programming, ball diamonds and other community recreation opportunities throughout the municipality.

Great parks help build great communities.

Centre Hastings Park and other recreation spaces continue to serve as gathering places where residents can play, socialize, exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Throughout the year, staff work behind the scenes on:

• Playground inspections and maintenance
• Splash pad operations and repairs
• Landscape and irrigation management
• Seasonal park maintenance
• Accessibility improvements
• Visibility and safety enhancements
• Planning for future recreation improvements

Council has also approved funding for skate pad repairs and resurfacing to help ensure the facility remains safe and enjoyable for local users.

These investments help create attractive, accessible and welcoming public spaces that support active living and community well-being.

Everyone deserves to feel comfortable using our parks and recreation facilities.

Creating safe, welcoming public spaces requires a combination of planning, maintenance, communication and community involvement.

Staff continue to support public safety through:

• Updated park rules signage
• QR-code reporting tools
• Incident reporting procedures
• Staff safety and de-escalation training
• Coordination with the OPP and community partners
• Building security reviews
• Ongoing assessment of camera coverage, lighting and sightlines

While no single measure solves every issue, these practical improvements help support positive recreation experiences for residents and visitors.

Community members also play an important role by reporting concerns early so staff can respond appropriately and efficiently.

Together, we can help ensure our parks remain welcoming spaces for everyone.

More Than Just Ice

The Madoc and District Recreation Centre continues to be one of the community's most important gathering places.

Every season, the facility supports:

⛸ Learn to Skate programs

🏒 Minor sports and recreational leagues

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family activities

🎉 Community events

🤝 Volunteer-led initiatives

🏟 Local recreation partnerships

The Municipality continues to support the facility through day-to-day operations, maintenance, policy development, long-term planning and capital investment.

Recent planning has included a budgeted Arena Compressor Package valued at approximately $150,000, helping support the long-term sustainability of the facility.

The arena remains an important place where memories are created, friendships are formed and community connections grow.

Supporting Youth Recreation Throughout the Year

Youth recreation includes much more than a single program or facility.

Throughout the year, young people and families have access to opportunities such as:

✅ Youth Summer Drop-In programming

✅ Public skating

✅ Learn to Skate

✅ Moms and Tots Skate

✅ Seniors Skate

✅ Bruce Lee House League Hockey

✅ Ball hockey

✅ Summer arena activities

✅ Parks and playgrounds

✅ Community events and special activities

This summer's Youth Drop-In program saw strong participation and included special activities such as Birds of Prey while making use of the community's park spaces and sun shelter.

Providing opportunities for young people to stay active, socialize and engage with their community remains an important part of recreation planning in Centre Hastings.

Recreation Happens Throughout the Municipality

Recreation is not limited to one location. It takes place in parks, arenas, trails, ball diamonds and community gathering spaces throughout Centre Hastings.

In Ivanhoe, facilities such as the ball diamonds and Huntingdon Park continue to support local recreation through:

⚾ Seasonal sports

🌳 Park amenities

🚶 Outdoor activity

🍔 Canteen operations

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Community gatherings

Staff continue to support maintenance, operations and planning for these facilities as part of the Municipality's broader recreation system.

Whether residents are playing ball, walking a trail, visiting a playground or attending a community event, recreation opportunities exist across Centre Hastings.

Strong Recreation Systems Depend on Strong Community Partnerships

Many of the recreation opportunities residents enjoy are made possible through the efforts of volunteers, service clubs, sponsors, coaches, organizations and community groups.

Recent examples include:

✅ Sponsored public skating

✅ Art on Ice

✅ Touch a Truck

✅ Youth Summer Drop In Session (8 Weeks)

✅Birds of Prey

✅ Foam Party

✅Hypnotist

✅ Christmas Decorations in the Park

✅ Volunteer-led park projects

✅ Local fundraising and recreation support initiatives

✅ Canada Day Celebration 

These partnerships help bring ideas to life, create new opportunities and strengthen community connections.

Thank you to everyone who contributes their time, energy and creativity to helping recreation thrive in Centre Hastings.

Your ideas can help shape recreation in Centre Hastings.

Some of the community's most successful programs, events and projects began with a simple conversation.

Residents, service clubs, community groups, sponsors, coaches and volunteers all play an important role in helping identify opportunities and bringing great ideas forward.

Whether you are interested in:

✅ Organizing an event
✅ Sponsoring a recreation activity
✅ Volunteering
✅ Developing a community partnership
✅ Supporting youth recreation
✅ Exploring a new program idea

Together, we can continue building a vibrant, active and connected Centre Hastings.