Fundraising efforts hit the doldrums in rehabilitation of a Colborne Park

Basketball Court Elgin Street Park-Colborne. Photo courtesy of the Township of Cramahe.

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.

Community fundraising is continuing to help rehabilitate a park in Colborne. The Elgin Street Park features two tennis courts, a ball hockey rink, a basketball court, a baseball field, and a clubhouse. As well, Colborne Creek bisects the park enhancing the area for other activities like picnics, or relaxation. Yet Matthew Dunleavy, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee told Cramahe Township Council Tuesday that the equipment at the park is nearing its end of life. He said this park was chosen as it will have the largest impact on the community.

“What Phase 1 looks like is the tennis court resurfacing and maybe repositioning, basketball resurfacing, ball hockey court  repair and painting. New basketball nets and hardware, new fencing and new lighting. We did initial quotes and that comes to about $235,000,” Dunleavy explained.

To date, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee has raised $89,000, mainly through a contribution from the Municipal council. Dunleavy stated that the group of volunteers were unsuccessful in securing a grant through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The Advisory Committee has held fundraising events in the past, but Dunleavy said they are hitting a roadblock.

“It is heartening that everyone is tightening their belts. We’re being asked those questions of how can I chip in, because I want to see my kids play in the park? We want to approach community organizations and businesses because they want to join in,” said Dunleavy.

A community event will take place in August to further raise funds. Yet Dunleavy and the Advisory Committee are turning their attention to individual donations, He asked Council to consider a partnership with the Community Foundation of Campbellford/Seymor and Northumberland to help manage donations.

While Council was unanimous in support of this partnership, Councilor Joel Schriver suggested that Council, through the 2026 budget may be able to financially support the start of Phase 1, if the Advisory Committee did not raise the remaining $160,000 to get the project going.