This article first appeared on HaltonHillsToday Nov. 8.
The plans to expand Georgetown’s Gellert Community Park have taken another major step forward.
During their most recent meeting, Halton Hills councillors approved the final concept for the expansion at the park on Eighth Line in Georgetown South. The decision will be ratified at the Nov. 20 council meeting.
New amenities at the park will include:
- A full-size, lit soccer field constructed centrally on the expansion lands (relocated from its current spot at the park)
- Six lit pickleball courts
- Lit multipurpose courts
- An asphalt pump track for BMX, scooters and skateboards
- Two beach volleyball courts
- Two additional lit tennis courts, adjacent to the existing tennis courts
- Two areas with fitness equipment along a lit pathway network
- A large playground with natural elements.
“The overall final concept provides a mix of active sport activities, passive and active green spaces, and a wide variety of new park amenities for use by the public,” said senior landscape architect Mark Taylor in a report to council.
Staff estimates the expansion will cost about $6 million, based on the current design. The tender process for the work is anticipated in late 2024.
Future phases of development on the Gellert property will include a community centre expansion and an outdoor refrigerated skating loop.
The town councillors liked what they saw in the park expansion concept, with several commending the work that’s been done by staff so far.
“I think you’ve come up with a fabulous plan, so kudos to you,” said Mayor Ann Lawlor.
“It really is coming together - it looks beautiful,” added Councillor Jason Brass.
He went on to express concern about whether or not six pickleball courts will be enough to meet the intense demand in the community, noting he thinks they’ll “be sold out before they’re even built.”
Taylor told him that staff tried to strike a balance between many sports in the expansion design, and that other features would have to be eliminated if the Town were to make room for more than six pickleball courts.
In related news, the Town is looking into the possibility of having a dome erected at the Gellert Community Park that could facilitate more indoor space for a variety of sports - a structure that would be welcomed by many local organizations.
Representatives from the Halton Hills Pickleball Association and Georgetown Soccer Club told council about how the growth of their groups is outpacing the availability of local indoor courts and fields, with both having to look outside Halton Hills to meet the current need.
Council directed staff to issue a formal request for expression of interest by third parties, such as local sports clubs, for a partnership that could bring the dome concept to fruition.
Director of Parks and Open Space Kevin Okimi said this is meant to be a “zero-cost solution for the Town,” with the third party expected to supply, install, maintain and operate the potential sports dome.
Town staff will report back to council on this topic at a later date.
