Recreation Without Borders

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With a theme of “Recreation Without Borders,” Norfolk County's Master Recreation Plan aims to chart a visionary future for recreation that will enrich our community’s fabric and create abundant opportunities for leisure, growth, inclusivity, and connection.

This comprehensive plan will articulate a cohesive vision and serve as a strategic roadmap for its implementation, ultimately enriching the quality of life for all residents. The plan will focus on recommendations covering programs, facilities, quality-of-life improvements, and staffing considerations while being mindful of the financial and economic impacts.

Council has not yet made a decision on the Master Recreation Plan, and a report and DRAFT Plan will be presented to Council-in-Committee on May 13, 2025, for debate and consideration.

Master Recreation Plan Open House

Norfolk County is inviting residents to an open house event on April 8, 2025, to experience the vision of the Draft Master Recreation Plan.

The Open House event, open to residents and visitors, will present the vision of a new, dynamic Master Recreation Plan that will help shape the future of recreation for Norfolk. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the Plan, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Date: Tuesday, April 8
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Simcoe Recreation Centre, 182 South Drive, Simcoe

Can't make the Open House event? Provide you feedback online.

All feedback gathered at the Open House event and online will help shape the final version of the Master Recreation Plan.

Timeline

  • Phase 1: Background Assessment and Community Engagement: June 13 to October 31, 2024
  • Phase 2: Needs Assessment: October 1 to December 20, 2024
  • Phase 3A: Plan Finalization and Presentations: December 21, 2024 to May 13, 2025
  • Draft Plan Presentation - Council Workshop: February 18, 2025
  • Draft Plan Presentation and Public Meeting – Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC): February 27, 2025
  • Recreation and Parks Committee (RPAC) – Second Review: March 27, 2025
  • Draft Plan Presentation – Public Open House and Community Engagement: April 8, 2025
  • Final Master Recreation Plan presented at Council-and-Committee Meeting: May 13, 2025
  • Council Meeting: May 27, 2025

Read more about the timeline.

Goals

  • Enhanced Quality of Life - We are committed to enhancing and sustaining the quality of life in Norfolk County through a diverse array of recreational initiatives that meet the needs and aspirations of all residents.
  • Sustainability - Our plan is not only visionary but also actionable, economically feasible, and sustainable, ensuring that Norfolk County continues to thrive for generations to come.
  • Inclusivity - We recognize the importance of inclusivity and diversity. Hence, we are dedicated to actively listening to and interpreting the perspectives of all represented areas within Norfolk County, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
  • Comprehensive Community Engagement - We are committed to providing the community with a comprehensive plan for the future. This includes both short-term and long-term goals that are sustainable, efficient, and responsive to evolving and changing needs.
  • Employment - Through this plan, we seek to optimize staffing services, and refine organizational structures, thereby creating a framework to support its seamless implementation.

Scope

  • Assessment and development of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, parks, and open spaces
  • Planning and implementing diverse programs and services that encompass all aspects of recreation, including waterfront activities
  • Consider demographic shifts, emerging trends, evolving interests, and the challenges posed by aging infrastructure

With a theme of “Recreation Without Borders,” Norfolk County's Master Recreation Plan aims to chart a visionary future for recreation that will enrich our community’s fabric and create abundant opportunities for leisure, growth, inclusivity, and connection.

This comprehensive plan will articulate a cohesive vision and serve as a strategic roadmap for its implementation, ultimately enriching the quality of life for all residents. The plan will focus on recommendations covering programs, facilities, quality-of-life improvements, and staffing considerations while being mindful of the financial and economic impacts.

Council has not yet made a decision on the Master Recreation Plan, and a report and DRAFT Plan will be presented to Council-in-Committee on May 13, 2025, for debate and consideration.

Master Recreation Plan Open House

Norfolk County is inviting residents to an open house event on April 8, 2025, to experience the vision of the Draft Master Recreation Plan.

The Open House event, open to residents and visitors, will present the vision of a new, dynamic Master Recreation Plan that will help shape the future of recreation for Norfolk. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the Plan, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Date: Tuesday, April 8
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Simcoe Recreation Centre, 182 South Drive, Simcoe

Can't make the Open House event? Provide you feedback online.

All feedback gathered at the Open House event and online will help shape the final version of the Master Recreation Plan.

Timeline

  • Phase 1: Background Assessment and Community Engagement: June 13 to October 31, 2024
  • Phase 2: Needs Assessment: October 1 to December 20, 2024
  • Phase 3A: Plan Finalization and Presentations: December 21, 2024 to May 13, 2025
  • Draft Plan Presentation - Council Workshop: February 18, 2025
  • Draft Plan Presentation and Public Meeting – Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC): February 27, 2025
  • Recreation and Parks Committee (RPAC) – Second Review: March 27, 2025
  • Draft Plan Presentation – Public Open House and Community Engagement: April 8, 2025
  • Final Master Recreation Plan presented at Council-and-Committee Meeting: May 13, 2025
  • Council Meeting: May 27, 2025

Read more about the timeline.

Goals

  • Enhanced Quality of Life - We are committed to enhancing and sustaining the quality of life in Norfolk County through a diverse array of recreational initiatives that meet the needs and aspirations of all residents.
  • Sustainability - Our plan is not only visionary but also actionable, economically feasible, and sustainable, ensuring that Norfolk County continues to thrive for generations to come.
  • Inclusivity - We recognize the importance of inclusivity and diversity. Hence, we are dedicated to actively listening to and interpreting the perspectives of all represented areas within Norfolk County, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
  • Comprehensive Community Engagement - We are committed to providing the community with a comprehensive plan for the future. This includes both short-term and long-term goals that are sustainable, efficient, and responsive to evolving and changing needs.
  • Employment - Through this plan, we seek to optimize staffing services, and refine organizational structures, thereby creating a framework to support its seamless implementation.

Scope

  • Assessment and development of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, parks, and open spaces
  • Planning and implementing diverse programs and services that encompass all aspects of recreation, including waterfront activities
  • Consider demographic shifts, emerging trends, evolving interests, and the challenges posed by aging infrastructure

  • Phase 3: Final Report and Implementation Strategy - December 16, 2024 to March 3, 2025

    Share Phase 3: Final Report and Implementation Strategy - December 16, 2024 to March 3, 2025 on Facebook Share Phase 3: Final Report and Implementation Strategy - December 16, 2024 to March 3, 2025 on Twitter Share Phase 3: Final Report and Implementation Strategy - December 16, 2024 to March 3, 2025 on Linkedin Email Phase 3: Final Report and Implementation Strategy - December 16, 2024 to March 3, 2025 link

    Public Meeting - Complete

    Date: February 27, 2025
    Time: 4 p.m.
    Location: Council Chambers, Simcoe

    Online Feedback

    Deadline: March 3, 2025

    For those unable to attend in person, comments can be submitted online.

    All feedback will help shape the final Master Recreation Plan.


  • Phase 2: Needs Assessment and Draft Report - October 15 to December 16, 2024

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    How you can get involved now

    Tailgate gatherings

    The Recreation without Borders Team invites residents and stakeholders to join us for upcoming tailgate gatherings, where we want to hear from you about how the plan will shape our community’s future. These casual and interactive events will allow community members to share their ideas, provide feedback, and engage directly with our team. Your input is invaluable if you are passionate about parks, trails, recreational facilities, program needs, or community spaces.

    To participate in a Tailgate, drop in during the session times below.

    • Friday, August 23, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Riversyde 83, 83 Sydenham Street, Simcoe, ON
    • Saturday, August 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Sam's Place, 4665 Hwy 24 Scotland, ON
    • Saturday, August 24, 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Wholesome Pickins, 500 Church St E, Delhi, ON
    • Saturday, August 24, 3:30 to 5 p.m. at The Boathouse Restaurant, 10 Sea Queen Road, Port Rowan

    1:1 Sessions

    The Team will conduct one-on-one sessions with various community groups, organizations, and recreational facility user groups throughout the process. If you (or your group) have not yet been contacted to set up a meeting and would like one, please reach out to Brenda Andress, Project Lead.

    Facebook Live Sessions

    Join us for a Facebook Live session on Friday, August 23, at 10:00 a.m. on Norfolk's Recreation Facebook page(External link) to discuss the plan online with others.

    Youth Survey, closing Friday, October 25

    Are you between the ages of 13 and 20? Take the survey and you could win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

  • Phase 1: Background Assessment and Community Engagement - June 14 to October 15, 2024

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    Complete

Page last updated: 13 Mar 2025, 08:06 AM