Recreation, Parks and Trails Strategy
Envision the Future of Recreation, Parks and Trails in Penetanguishene!
Nestled on the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay, the Town of Penetanguishene is growing — not just in numbers, but in heart, heritage, and a shared vision for a vibrant future. Our parks are more lively, our trails more travelled, and our community events more appreciated than ever before.
As we think about the future of play in Penetanguishene, a Recreation, Parks and Trails Strategy will be designed to reflect our community’s values, needs, and priorities over the next ten years. The Strategy will promote active living, connection to nature, and building relationships through parks, recreation, and trails services for residents and visitors of all ages.
Your ideas, your experiences, your Penetanguishene – they all belong in this story.
To ensure our Strategy is built with the Town’s unique history, culture, and people in mind, we invite your thoughts and experiences to shape our efforts.
Take our survey and join us on this journey to create a healthier, more connected, more playful Penetanguishene.
Additional input opportunities for residents and stakeholders will be posted as the project proceeds, including open house sessions and stakeholder workshops. Please check back to this page regularly for project updates.
The project will be completed near the end of 2025, with opportunities for public input throughout. A team led by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants has been retained to assist the Town with this Strategy.
In the meantime, you may also submit your ideas, comments, or questions to Sherry Desjardins, Director of Recreation and Community Services, sdesjardins@penetanguishene.ca, 705-549-7453.
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Town of Penetanguishene Adopts Recreation, Parks and Trails Strategy
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The Town of Penetanguishene is pleased to announce that Council has officially approved the new Recreation, Parks and Trails Strategy, a comprehensive long range guiding document that will shape the future of recreational services, facilities, outdoor spaces, and trail systems across the community.
The strategy provides a detailed framework to ensure Penetanguishene’s recreation and parks system continues to grow in a sustainable, inclusive, and community focused way. It outlines priorities for park renewal, trail expansion, facility enhancements, and program development to meet the evolving needs of residents and visitors over the next decade and beyond.
“This strategy reflects the voices of our residents and community partners,” said Sherry Desjardins, Director of Recreation and Community Services. “We heard clearly that people value active living, accessible recreation, and well maintained outdoor spaces. This plan gives us a roadmap to enhance our parks, expand our trail network, and continue providing high quality recreational opportunities for all ages and interests.”
The development of the strategy included community engagement, stakeholder consultation, facility assessments, and a review of current and future needs. With Council’s approval, staff will now begin implementing the recommendations, which include improving existing parks, planning for future amenities, expanding active transportation corridors, strengthening waterfront access, and supporting year round recreation.
“This strategy aligns strongly with our 20year Strategic Plan and reinforces Council’s vision for a healthy, connected, and future ready Penetanguishene,” said Mayor Doug Rawson. “By investing in recreation, parks, and trails, we are building the foundation for a community that supports active living and enhances quality of life for generations to come. This long range plan ensures our decisions today contribute meaningfully to the Penetanguishene we want to see in the decades ahead.”
The Town will now move into the implementation phase, aligning future capital planning, service delivery, and maintenance priorities with the recommendations outlined in the strategy. Progress updates and key milestones will be shared through the Town’s regular communication channels.
Sherry Desjardins
Director of Recreation and Community Services
Town of Penetanguishene
705-749-7453
Who's Listening
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Phone 705-549-7453 Email sdesjardins@penetanguishene.ca
Documents
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Public Information Centre Boards.pdf (2.88 MB) (pdf)
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Recreation Parks Trails Strategy Council Update_August 2025.pdf (1.85 MB) (pdf)
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Penetanguishene Recreation Parks and Trails Strategy Draft (7.03 MB) (pdf)
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Final Presentation to Council 2026.pdf (4.54 MB) (pdf)
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Recreation Parks and Trails Strategy (6.39 MB) (pdf)
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Recreation Parks and Trails Strategy_January 2026_final.pdf (6.39 MB) (pdf)
