This story was previously published on EloraFergusToday.
FERGUS – Centre Wellington Township has spent $4.8 million on expanding the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex and accommodating the growth anticipated with new development.
Announced after a closed session at the beginning of a Centre Wellington council meeting Monday evening, Mayor Shawn Watters said the township purchased 90 acres of land adjacent to the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex at 8055 Wellington Road 18 to expand the facility and serve as future parkland.
Purchasing the land for $4.8 million, Watters said expanding the Sportsplex will "unlock numerous opportunities" for future festivals, sporting events and community gatherings.
“This land purchase is incredible news for Centre Wellington,” said Watters in a news release. “The newly acquired parcel offers a diverse landscape, suitable for creative development into spaces for both active and passive recreation.
The township currently has 257 acres of parkland in their inventory but staff said this need will grow with the community.
The 2018 Parks and Recreation Master Plan said the township needs approximately 300 acres of parkland by 2028.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
