Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with Sean Nailer, City of Peterborough parks and recreation project manager for facilities, to talk about many exciting recreation projects.

I’ve always been a proponent of communities investing in recreational infrastructure projects. Investments in walking trails, arenas, parks, courts, sport fields, tracks, and outdoor ice surfaces support a healthy community for all ages.

In recent years, Peterborough City Council has done just that. They have committed several million dollars to advance projects throughout the city. The Miskin Law Community Complex with two ice pads and a branch library is a perfect example of the city’s commitment to upgrading facilities. 

Peterborough’s newest arena replaced Northcrest Arena which opened in 1967 and the branch library within the Miskin Law Complex replaced the DelaFosse library branch that had closed. This build has been a win-win for Peterborough.

Last fall the Bonnerworth Park project opened. It is comprised of 14 pickleball courts, a pump track, an extended skateboard park, and the planting of more than 200 new trees. The companion project at Knights of Columbus Park is nicely underway.

The $3.6 million Knights of Columbus Park project began last October. Throughout the winter, the site servicing and grading has been prepared including stormwater management. The granular material for construction of the four tennis courts is now in place.

The project has many exciting elements including four new tennis courts, an off-leash dog area, and a new splash pad will replace the wading pool. The park will also have a change room built and four gender-inclusive washrooms.

The other enhancement at Knights of Columbus Park is the replacement of the asphalt surface with new boards in the bowl. Lines will be painted on the asphalt enabling a variety of games to be played including lacrosse, ball hockey, and basketball. The project is set for completion this fall. Many local trades people are involved in the park transformation.

A couple of other major projects are in the works. Plans are underway for a $2.625 million upgrade to Riverside Park and East City Bowl. The city is now at the tendering stage that will see a new wall constructed and the bleachers replaced. A new scoreboard at East City Bowl is also contemplated. Construction will commence in the fall of 2026 following the playing season.

At Morrow Park construction of a new premier ball field will begin shortly. This park is also at the tendering stage. The city is completing the stormwater plan in consultation with engineering staff. The provincial government has contributed $1 million toward construction through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

Recently, ball diamonds at Stacy Green and Rube Brady were improved. Two studies are driving the city’s improvement plans for recreational facilities and amenities. The Parks and Open Spaces Study was completed in 2020 and in 2023 the Outdoor Recreation Study was finalized.

Last year Denne Park was rejuvenated. Neighbourhood parks slated for improvement in 2026 include Keith Wightman, Glenn Pagett Park, and Whitefield Park. 

Another excellent project is planned for the Riverview Park and Zoo. Public consultation is slated for late April. With financial support from the Rotary Club, the goal is to make the existing playground safe and more accessible for users. The steep slopes and uneven terrain will be addressed.

There is no shortage of worthy recreational projects. The city’s dedicated staff are committed to delivering quality projects for the community and should be proud of their accomplishments to date. 

Peterborough residents will soon be able to enjoy these new recreation amenities.

© Peterborough Examiner