New Outdoor Play Spaces Open at YMCA in Peterborough Thanks to $128,600 Grant

By Scott Arnold

Children and youth at the YMCA of Central East Ontario’s Balsillie Family Branch in Peterborough now have two new outdoor spaces for sports, games and recreation, following a $128,600 provincial grant.

$128,600 OTF Grant from the Province of Ontario Supports New Outdoor Play Spaces Project at the YMCA (photo courtesy of the YMCA of CEO Balsillie Family Branch)

MPP Dave Smith visited the YMCA on October 21st to celebrate the completion of the project, funded through a 2025 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The two spaces feature multi-sport court markings and equipment, secure fencing and shade structures to help protect participants from the sun. They are designed to support YMCA camps, recreational programs and other activities for young people.

Since opening, the new spaces have already been enjoyed by hundreds of children and youth taking part in summer camps and YMCA programs, offering more opportunities to play sports, build skills and connect with others.

“These new outdoor spaces have already had a tremendous impact on our campers and program participants,” said MaryAnne Wooldridge, General Manager of the Balsillie Family Branch. “They provide safe, inclusive places where children and youth can stay active, build friendships, and develop lifelong healthy habits.”

Smith said the investment will help strengthen opportunities for young people in the community.

“These new multi-sport courts and shaded play areas will give our local children and youth high-quality spaces to build skills, make lifelong friends, and stay active for years to come,” said Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation supports community projects across the province. In 2025-26, it invested nearly $107 million in 746 projects focused on areas including child and youth development, active living and creating spaces for people to connect.

Learn more about the Ontario Trillium Foundation at otf.ca.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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