Middlesex Centre unveils new playground thanks to $150,000 Ontario Government Grant

Middlesex Centre, Ontario, May 29, 2024 - On Wednesday, Middlesex Centre Mayor Aina DeViet and Councillor Debbie Heffernan officially opened the new playground at Meadowcreek Park in Ilderton. The project was made possible in part thanks to a $150,000 capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), which funded the purchase of updated play structures for children of all ages and all abilities.

"I applaud the Ontario Trillium Foundation for awarding this grant to Middlesex Centre to support the development of Meadowcreek Park Playground," said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. "Through grants like these, our government is addressing the needs of local families by investing not only in physical infrastructure but also in the well-being and future of our children. This grant will ensure that our families have a safe and enjoyable place to come together and create lasting memories."

The playground features a variety of new structures – climbers, slides, spinners and more – that promote physical fitness and activity. Many of the structures are designed with accessibility in mind, allowing for children of all abilities to take part in the fun.

"We are so thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for providing this grant to our community,” said Mayor DeViet. “Play is a critical part of a child’s development, encouraging physical activity and building social skills and self-confidence. This grant has allowed the park to have a playground that meets the needs of all the children in our community.”

Middlesex Centre is committed to ensuring that parks and facilities serve the needs of all residents. 

“Our Accessibility Policy, Community Services Master Plan, and Age-Friendly Community Action Plan all point to accessible municipal facilities as foundational to making sure people of all ages and abilities can fully take part in community life,” added Mayor DeViet.

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110 million into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.