Immediate Release

Ramara Township celebrates the unveiling of new Playgrounds with support from Ontario Government Grant

Ramara, ON/June 7, 2024 – On Friday, MPP Jill Dunlop along with Mayor Basil Clarke, members of Ramara Township council, and the public officially opened one of the two new playgrounds, which were made possible in part by a $150,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).  The grant was used to upgrade two playgrounds in the community by purchasing and installing accessible playground equipment at Bluebird Park and Lagoon City Beach and Park.

“I am proud to be part of a government that supports projects like these two for Ramara. Access to outdoor activities and opportunities are so important and with the new design and installation of accessible playground equipment with safety surfacing, many children and families will have a place to enjoy for many years. This vital investment is a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive and vibrant community for everyone, ensuring all children, regardless of ability, can enjoy safe and accessible play spaces."

~Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North

The playgrounds feature a variety of new structures—spinners, climbers, accessible swings, and more—that promote community connection and physical fitness. Many of the structures are designed with accessibility in mind, allowing children of all abilities to participate in the fun. Last year, the Township requested community engagement on the new designs, and each playground design was finalized with input from the community.

"We are sincerely grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous grant to our Ramara community. This grant has enabled us to upgrade two playgrounds to better meet the needs of all the children in our community, in two distinct locations. We hope that this investment will not only provide children with more opportunities to be physically active, but also allow parents, grandparents, and guardians to connect with others in the community and gather outdoors."

~ Basil Clarke, Ramara Township Mayor

To stay informed about Ramara’s parks, trails and beaches, we invite you to visit www.ramara.ca/parks. For the latest Ramara news, please visit www.ramara.ca/news, follow us on social media and subscribe to news, alerts and community calendar information. Your active participation is crucial in keeping our community vibrant and connected.

Ramara Township is a connected community that focuses on responsible and sustainable growth while preserving our rural heritage and unique features. Through innovative partnerships and responsible leadership, the Township of Ramara embraces sustainable growth that enhances our unique and rural landscapes. We are dedicated to providing valuable municipal programs and services that enrich the lives of our current and future generations.

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference. 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.”

~Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

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 $110M 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.

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