The City of Kawartha Lakes' new Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan is a major update to the 2004 plan, designed to guide investment and decision making for the next 15 years. This plan responds to population growth, changing recreation needs, and aging infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

• Community-Driven: Built on resident input through surveys, focus groups and open houses that identified priorities such as more arenas, pools, pickleball courts, trails, and accessible recreation.
• Focus on Access and Inclusion: Aims to improve recreation access for all ages and abilities, addressing barriers related to distance, affordability, and accessibility.
• Modern, Multi-Use Facilities: Shifts toward multi-purpose recreation hubs that combine space for sports, community events, and wellness activities to replace or modernize aging, single-use facilities.
• Upgraded Parks and Trails: Plans for enhanced Destination and Community parks, additional walking paths, seating, shade, and waterfront access for both rural and urban communities.
• Expanded Programming: Seeks to broaden recreation programs and events through new partnerships with schools, community groups and non-municipal providers.

The Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan is available in the "Documents Library" on the right side of this page.

The presentation to Committee of the Whole made on October 7, 2025 can be viewed online:

The Final Plan will be submitted for approval by Council at the November 18, 2025 Council Meeting.