Residents hoping to see the return of a skate park in Simcoe will have to keep waiting, as Norfolk County says there are currently no plans to replace the former facility.
The original Simcoe Skate Park was removed in 2021 with a goal of moving it to a new area.
At the time, Norfolk County was paying approximately $13,000 annually to lease space at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds, where the park had operated for years.
Council directed staff to identify a municipally-owned location for a replacement facility, and the equipment was dismantled and placed into storage while public consultation and site reviews were expected to take place.
Potential locations identified by staff included areas near Simcoe Composite School, Simcoe Lions Park, and Evergreen Heights Park.
In 2024, the issue resurfaced through the Mayor’s Affordability Roundtable.
Members noted the skate park had been a well-used community asset and called for a discussion on the feasibility of bringing a facility back to Simcoe.
However, Norfolk County now says the land previously used for the skate park is no longer available and there are no plans to replace the former facility at this time.
County staff acknowledged that skate parks remain a valued community amenity and said they would support the development of a new facility in Simcoe should a community group decide to champion the project.
Officials pointed to the skate park in Waterford as an example of a successful community-led initiative that was brought forward with the help of local volunteers.
Residents looking for skate park amenities can currently access facilities in Waterford and Port Dover. Community groups interested in pursuing a future Simcoe skate park may be eligible for assistance through Norfolk County’s Community Initiatives Program.
