On October 15 the municipality of Ormstown hosted the official opening of the town’s new multi-sport playing surface, which is located behind the Ormstown Recreation Centre. The plan to install the new surface was announced in May of 2021, and in a matter of just a few months the town was able to construct this new hotspot – an impressive feat, since there were many supply difficulties due to the pandemic.
The surface encompasses two courts for pickleball (a game derived from tennis) and a basketball court. As of right now, due to COVID-19, participants will be required to bring their own equipment in order to play. In the winter, the surface will be turned into an ice rink with the potential for free skating and hockey games.
A press release explained that the new installation was made possible thanks to an investment of $118,986 dollars from the Fund for the Development of Sport and Physical Activity, granted to the town by the Ministry of Education under the Financial Assistance Program for Recreational and Sports Infrastructures (PAFIRS) and by the Invest in Canada program.
Attending the opening were MP Claude DeBellefeuile, Huntingdon Deputy Claire IsaBelle, Mayor of Ormstown Jacques Lapierre, current councillors, municipal employees, and candidates in the upcoming election. Mélissa Bourgoing, the director of communications, sport and culture for the municipality, began the event by discussing the details and features of the multisport surface.
DeBellefeuille then spoke about how important community spirit and togetherness are and acknowledged the help that was provided by both the federal and provincial governments. She then passed the microphone to IsaBelle, who congratulated the municipality for an excellent project proposal and emphasized that the first step to improving a community is having a great idea, and then applying for the support. Finally, Lapierre reiterated what had been said before him and how good this new addition will be for Ormstown. He thanked everyone who had been involved in the process.
