Desbarats’ Multi-Sport Court: Desbarats welcomed a new multi-sport court on Friday, offering a place for pickleball, basketball, floor hockey, and other sports. The court is located outside the community arena and was built with $150,000 from an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. It replaces old tennis courts that had become unusable.
Community and Leadership Praise the Project
Bill Rosenberg, Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin, congratulated the mayor and council at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Congratulations to the mayor, council, and everyone involved in making this exciting project a reality for the residents of Johnson Township.” – (Bill Rosenberg)
“Thanks to the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, this new pickleball court will provide a lasting space for active living and social connection for years to come. This is a great example of how community-driven initiatives, backed by provincial support, can make a meaningful difference.” – (Bill Rosenberg)
Rosenberg also noted that the court will provide “a lasting space for active living and social connection for years to come.” Johnson Township Mayor Reg McKinnon explained that the court is more than just a place to play.
“This new multi-sport court represents so much more than just a recreational gathering space, but a place for people to connect as a community. With such a central location, this court will quickly become a hub for people of all ages that can stay active.” – (Reg McKinnon)
Designed for All Ages, Built with Community Support
The court was designed in 2024 with input from residents. Mayor McKinnon said it will serve hundreds, from school kids to seniors. He emphasized how important projects like this are in small communities.
“We don’t always have access to resources or recreational options found in larger centres, so when we do invest every dollar goes a long way.” – (Reg McKinnon)
“This park will serve hundreds, if not thousands of people over its lifetime, from our local school kids to our seniors. It also shows what’s possible when we come together through various types of local support and through a shared vision with our community.” – (Reg McKinnon)
The court includes a full basketball court, goalie creases for floor hockey, three pickleball courts, a combined tennis, badminton, and volleyball court, and plans to add shuffleboard lines later.
This new court provides Johnson Township residents with a valuable space for sports and social connection. It shows how local support and provincial funding can create lasting benefits for the community.
News in Brief: Desbarats’ Multi-Sport Court
Desbarats opened a new multi-sport court funded by $150,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The court offers space for pickleball, basketball, floor hockey, and more. Local leaders praised the project for promoting active living and community connection in Johnson Township.
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