Norfolk County invites residents to experience the vision of the Draft Master Recreation Plan

Norfolk County is once again inviting stakeholders and residents to experience the vision of the Draft Master Recreation Plan at an Open House event on April 8, 2025.  

The Open House event, open to residents and visitors of Norfolk County, will present the Draft vision of a new, dynamic Master Recreation Plan that will help shape the future of recreation for Norfolk. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the Plan, ask questions, and provide feedback. 

Council has not yet made a decision on the Draft Master Recreation Plan, and a report and Draft Plan will be presented to Council-in-Committee on May 13, 2025, for debate and consideration. All feedback gathered to date, including input from stakeholder meetings, input from the Recreation and parks Advisory Committee, and comments and suggestions received at the Open House event and online will help shape the final version of the Master Recreation Plan.  

Master Recreation Plan Open House event details 

Residents unable to attend in person can learn more about the plan and provide feedback at EngageNorfolk.ca/Recreation-without-borders.  

About the Master Recreation Plan 

Norfolk County acknowledges the significant value of recreation facilities, programs, and events to enhance quality of life and offer opportunities for residents to connect and stay active. The Plan, with a theme of "Recreation Without Borders," was created with the intention of providing a visionary (long term) future for recreation that will enrich the community and create abundant opportunities for leisure, growth, inclusivity and connection.  

Once approved by Council, the plan will serve as a strategic roadmap focusing on recommendations covering programs, service levels, facilities, quality-of-life improvements, and staffing considerations while being mindful of the financial and economic impacts.  

Launched in June of 2024, staff completed the first two phases, which included background assessments and community engagement through one-on-one meetings with organizations and key contacts, public tailgate sessions held in various locations throughout the County, surveys, and a Facebook Live session. Needs assessments through consultation with community groups, staff, residents and partners were also conducted, as well as research of population data, recreation trends and municipal comparators. 

Resident and community feedback is essential in ensuring the final plan meets the community's needs, while adhering to the fiscal realities Norfolk faces. 

Once again, this is another opportunity for public feedback on the Draft report, so that when the final report and recommendations are reviewed by Council in May, Council can make informed decisions. 

To review the Draft Master Recreation Plan document, and learn more about the timeline, goals and scope, visit EngageNorfolk.ca/Recreation-without-borders.