VIDEO: Your Space to Play $5 Million Fundraising Campaign Launched Wednesday Night at Memorial Centre

Brockville – The $5 million ‘Your Space to Play fundraising campaign launched on Wednesday at the Brockville Memorial Centre

The fundraising campaign hopes to raise $5 Million to help support the city of Brockville’s Multi-Use Recreation Facility project (MURF). The MURF project includes the construction of a new arena addition connected to the existing Memorial Centre, renovations to the current facility and improvements to outdoor recreation amenities at Memorial Park.

So far the estimated cost of the project is around $43 million, with $6 million to $7 million in initial project and site work that has already been completed or approved, including land acquisitions from St. Lawrence College, roof repairs on the current Memorial Centre, and initial ball diamond/pickleball field.

Mayor Matthew Wren, Mayor-Elect Cameron Wales, MP Michael Barrett, campaign co-chair Shelley Bacon, of Northern Cables, project stakeholders, and community organizations gathered to celebrate the launch and recognize the progress already underway.

Bacon will co-chair with Margaret Hudson, of Burnbrae Farms.

The city says that significant progress has already been made, including the completion of the Memorial Centre roof replacement, supported in part by $978,000 in provincial funding through the Ministry of Sport.

They also said that construction is also progressing on the first of two new ball diamonds at Memorial Park, with the first expected to be ready for league play in spring 2027. Plans for new pickleball courts are also moving forward.

As well, the campaign also celebrated two contributions toward the project, including $68,560 from the local pickleball group and $75,000 from the Brockville and Area Community Foundation through its Strategic Partnership Grant.

A campaign website and online donation portal was unveiled Wednesday night, providing information about the project, fundraising opportunities and ways for individuals, businesses and organizations to contribute.

The project is not expected to happen unless both Federal and Provincial governments provide funding. It also required a community fundraising componet, whic is why Your Place to Play was created.

To learn more about the Your Space to Play campaign or to make a donation, visit yourspacetoplay.ca.