The votes are in: Orangeville park project one step closer to reality

Rendering of Rotary Park in Orangeville, Ont., known as concept 3. (Openspace Solutions Inc.)

After nearly 1,000 ballots were cast, Orangeville residents have chosen the winning design for Rotary Park’s new playground, a project that the Town says promises to breath new life into the future of the park.

The winning concept for the park located in the town’s east end captured 51 per cent of the vote, edging out the other options and setting the stage for the park’s next chapter. The Town will now work with consultants, the playground contractor and the Rotary Club of Orangeville to turn the design into reality.

“We’re excited to begin work and can’t wait to welcome everyone back to play when it’s done," stated Heather Savage, general manager of Community Services.

With the design selected, equipment will be ordered, and site preparation will begin.

The playground replacement is part of a broader redevelopment that began last year with infrastructure work. The full plan, presented to council in 2022, includes tennis and pickleball courts, parking, an artificial skating loop, sports fields and a clubhouse.

The Rotary Club of Orangeville committed to contribute $250,000 over seven years to the project, raised through events like the annual Rotary Ribfest.

“Rotary Park has been an important part of our community since it opened in the 1980s. This project allows the park to continue meeting the needs of Orangeville now and as it moves into the future. We look forward to seeing it completed," said Ingrid Sproxton, president, the Rotary Club of Orangeville.

The Town anticipates the playground will be ready for the community to enjoy sometime this fall.