Recreation Without Borders

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Consultation has concluded


Norfolk County is pleased to announce the launch of its Master Recreation Plan.


With a theme of “Recreation Without Borders,” the 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.

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

Timeline

  • Phase 1: Background Assessment and Community Engagement - June 14 to October 15, 2024
  • Phase 2: Needs Assessment and Draft Report – October 15 to December 16, 2024
  • Phase 3: Final Report and Implementation Strategy – December 16, 2024 to February 28, 2025

How you can get involved now


Tailgate gatherings - Complete

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 Session - Complete

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

New 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!


Norfolk County is pleased to announce the launch of its Master Recreation Plan.


With a theme of “Recreation Without Borders,” the 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.

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

Timeline

  • Phase 1: Background Assessment and Community Engagement - June 14 to October 15, 2024
  • Phase 2: Needs Assessment and Draft Report – October 15 to December 16, 2024
  • Phase 3: Final Report and Implementation Strategy – December 16, 2024 to February 28, 2025

How you can get involved now


Tailgate gatherings - Complete

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 Session - Complete

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

New 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!

Consultation has concluded

  • Background: Why a Recreation Master Plan?

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    Background – Why a Recreation Master Plan?


    A Recreation Master Plan is a valuable tool for decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public in understanding a municipality's residents' recreational requirements and preferences.

    This comprehensive plan encompasses outdoor recreational amenities, indoor recreation facilities, and recreation programs and services.

    By conducting thorough research and incorporating public input, a Recreation Master Plan will assess the current service levels in all communities throughout the County and establish priorities for the coming years. Recommendations will address community needs, population changes, trends in participation, service gaps, and operational requirements. A diverse range of strategies are necessary to ensure that the appropriate facilities are in the right locations at the right time.

    In 2015, Norfolk County Council identified the need for and approved the completion of a 20-year comprehensive Parks, Facilities and Recreation Master Plan. E. Lees & Associates Consulting Ltd were acquired to conduct the plan with assistance provided by Lees and Associates Landscape Architects and Planners, Fred J. Galloway, and Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc. It is a very well-executed plan that was very thorough and included Cemetery Planning and Forest Management. It has significant strategic recommendations and is still utilized in decision-making today.

    Why are we going through this process

    While the all-encompassing comprehensive plan conducted in 2015 had a 20-year focus, Recreation Master Plans are often reviewed every 10 years to ensure continued success of needs being met.

    The 2015 Plan was completed because of a need that was realized when the local economy in Norfolk County experienced significant transitions due to the change in the tobacco industry, manufacturing, and related sectors. Tourism in the area was increasing, and the Port Dover area was growing exponentially with an influx of more senior citizens.

    Now, Council has acknowledged the enduring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing financial constraints, ongoing population growth, shifts in age demographics, a heightened emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusivity, as well as evolving sports trends, and emerging demands for parks and recreational facilities. In light of these factors, Council has approved a staff-led initiative to undertake a comprehensive review of the specific Recreation-related areas in the existing plan.