Orillia City Pickleball Courts Plan: Orillia city leaders are pushing to build new outdoor pickleball courts and a skateboard park, even after missing out on key funding. The projects, planned at the Orillia Recreation Centre’s Foundry Park, were discussed during the June 23 city council meeting, where several councillors showed their support to move them up on the priority list.
Councillor Tim Lauer said he wants these recreation spaces, along with a new roof for the Barnfield Point Recreation Centre, to be included in the 2026 city budget.
“I’m hoping, by budget time, we will have a plan. It’s been in the planning stage for a long time. For all our recreational options, this one stands out.”(Tim Lauer.)
Funding Hopes Fall Short
The plans called for a $2-million, eight-court pickleball area and a $1.5-million skateboard park. But Marcia Russell, director of recreation, youth and culture, shared in a June 4 report that Orillia was not successful in getting the 2024 Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund grants needed.
She explained why the roof and recreation spaces were bundled together.
“It is a key component of maintaining the city’s recreation infrastructure,” (Marcia Russell).
Russell said she combined the applications “to strengthen the application,” and that design work for both projects is done. Site work will still be needed once money is found.
“Staff will continue to explore funding opportunities and work with stakeholders to advance both projects in alignment with the city’s long-term capital planning,”(Marcia Russell).
Support From Council Members
Councillor Jay Fallis praised the idea of prioritizing these projects.
“Obviously, we need to patch the Barnfield roof, but I also feel the skateboard park has a lot to bring to this community. There’s a group that has been advocating for it,” (Jay Fallis).
Mayor Don McIsaac noted the plans are already part of the city’s longer-term ideas.
“It’s in the 10-year capital plan,” (Don McIsaac).
Next Steps
Under the new strong mayor powers law, Mayor Don McIsaac can propose the city budget. Councillors must submit business cases for any major projects by July 10. The staff report requested by Tim Lauer will be his business case for the roof, the skateboard park, and the pickleball courts.
Orillia has outdoor pickleball courts now at Tudhope Park, Homewood Park, and Walter Henry Park. The Tudhope Park courts are closed until July 9 for the Mariposa Folk Festival. A skateboard park is already open at Veterans’ Memorial Park.
These new projects, if approved and funded, could give local residents and visitors more places to play and gather.
News in Brief: Orillia City Pickleball Courts Plan
Orillia council is pushing to build new pickleball courts and a skateboard park at Foundry Park. Funding was denied, but councillors are planning to move the projects up in priority. A report outlining costs and logistics will be ready before the 2026 budget is finalized.