A new sports court featuring basketball nets and a pickleball court was officially opened in Ramara Township Friday, thanks to provincial and federal funding and the efforts of a community group.
Located at Lovely Day Park in Atherley, the new facility was built on the strength of a $70,000 grant from the Canada Infrastructure Program fund, with funds coming from both the federal and provincial government.
Township officials joined Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers and MPP Jill Dunlop, as well as members of the Atherley Community Centre Board Friday afternoon to unveil the new sports court along Creighton Street.
Over the years, the community centre board has worked to develop the park, helping to bring a new pavilion, playground, and the new sports court to Lovely Day Park over that span, playing a role in designing and advocating for the new facilities.
“We look back on where we were: with a dream. This committee met 12 years ago in the basement of the United Church,” said the board’s Steve Hinton. “We had (the township) wave (its) magic wand and found monies for the children's playground, and then we found monies here.
“This could never have happened without the federal and provincial money,” he said.
Chambers and others acknowledged the efforts of the board, which has brought a variety of new recreational facilities to the area for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“It's just great to see all levels of government working together, volunteers pitching in and making sure stuff happens, because without you pushing for it, it doesn't really happen,” Chambers said. “It's nice to celebrate that here with you today.”
Dunlop recalled visiting the park just two years ago to announce its new playground.
“Here we are now with the multi-court. It'll be great for the community and for others who are coming in,” she said. “Congratulations to the whole community. This is a welcome addition I know will be well, well used.”
The federal and provincial grant covered around 73 per cent of the new sports court’s cost, township officials said, with Mayor Basil Clarke similarly highlighting it would not have been possible without the efforts of the board.
“All this begins with the volunteers … you guys are the superstars here,” Clarke said. “I mean, look at this place; look at what it looked like 10-15 years ago. It started with the pavilion, then the playground, now this – there's just no stopping you guys. You're outstanding.”
