Orillia’s Pickleball Dreams Delayed: Plans to build a new skatepark and pickleball courts in Orillia have been delayed after the city did not receive expected funding. The Ontario government turned down both of the city’s 2024 grant requests, including one for the $2-million joint project. Despite this setback, city staff and community leaders are still pushing ahead.
Marcia Russell, director of recreation, youth and culture for the City of Orillia, said, “While the City of Orillia was not successful in securing provincial funding through the 2024 Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, the skatepark and pickleball project remain important community priorities.”
Projects Still a Priority
The city had also applied for funding to replace the roof at Barnfield Point Recreation Centre but was denied. Still, both projects are part of Orillia’s 10-year plan. Staff say they are looking for other ways to pay for the work.
“The denial does not mean the projects are cancelled,” said Marcia Russell. “The project in its entirety is still listed in the city’s 10-year plan, and staff will continue to explore alternative funding sources.”
The skatepark is already “shovel-ready,” according to Russell. All design work is done, and construction could start quickly if money becomes available.
“The city has completed detailed design work and necessary preparatory steps, meaning the project could proceed to construction if appropriate funding becomes available,” Russell said.
Strong Community Support
Community members have raised funds to help. The Orillia Skateparkers pledged $100,000, and the local pickleball community added $10,000.
“This readiness was a key reason the project was bundled into the recent provincial grant application and remains a valuable asset in seeking future funding,” Russell explained.
Mark Watson, co-owner of Pocket Skate & Vintage and a supporter of the skatepark, said, “Completely bummed, like everybody else. We were really hoping and counting on getting that. Now it’s back to the books and hope we can get back to it.”
He said the old park is outdated and doesn’t meet modern needs. “There isn’t really anywhere to do most of them that people feel comfortable going to,” Watson said. “A new skatepark would have been a revitalization of everything that people wanted. It would be very great to see — not to mention it would bring in tourism.”
Watson added, “A new facility brings in way more obstacles, way more varied terrain — elements that our skatepark has never had.”
Push for New Pickleball Courts
Frank Corker, president of the Orillia Pickleball Club, also shared his thoughts. “I am extremely disappointed, as (is) every member of the club,” he said. “But we’ve come together. The message is don’t worry — they haven’t heard the last of us.”
Corker said the area only has one place with regulation courts—Homewood Park. With over 1,000 players, more courts are needed.
“The addition of eight or 10 courts at the rec centre would be a huge complement for Orillia,” he said. “We could host leagues, tournaments, family events. Even if it’s just local tournaments within a 200-mile range, it would be tremendous.”
Corker wants to meet with the mayor and city officials soon. “We haven’t had a chance to sit down and talk to the mayor since the announcement, but we will. This isn’t the end of the road — it’s just Game 1 of the series.”
He also added, “I believe professional and rational meetings are much more effective than public outcry. We need to find the right Plan B and execute it.”
Next Steps and Hope for the Future
Russell said the city might apply for future grants with the projects split up instead of bundled.
“The city originally bundled the projects to align with the grant’s preference for larger, comprehensive applications that were tender-ready,” she said. “Moving forward, staff may explore submitting the skatepark and pickleball court projects separately in future funding rounds, depending on program criteria and the status of project development.”
Russell added, “The city remains committed to open communication and ongoing collaboration with both the skateboard and pickleball communities. Staff will continue to engage with representatives from each group to provide updates, discuss next steps, and explore future funding opportunities or phasing options.”
Tyler Hunt, manager of facilities capital for the city, said the recreation centre’s roof project is still a key goal. “The city will be reviewing fund options to proceed with the project in the 2025-26 time period,” he said. “City staff will continue to monitor funding opportunities for the Barnfield Point Recreation Centre roof project as well as the skateboard park and pickleball courts.”
Hunt added, “Staff will bring forward recommendations through the city’s budget process as part of our commitment to enhancing and maintaining recreational infrastructure in Orillia.”
Despite the setback, community leaders are staying positive.
“I won’t give up hope until I can’t skateboard anymore,” said Mark Watson. “Our kids need this.”
Frank Corker and the pickleball community also plan to keep pushing until new courts are built.
News in Brief: Orillia’s Pickleball Dreams Delayed
Orillia’s plans for a new skatepark and pickleball courts hit a setback after being denied provincial funding. However, the city remains committed to both projects. Leaders from the skateboarding and pickleball communities say they will continue fundraising and look for new ways to support the developments.
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