July Parks, Recreation, and Facilities update

Summer is here, and with that a season full of fun, activities, and opportunities to get outside and enjoy Severn. Whether you're looking to play pickleball, basketball, or tennis, access our local waterways for paddling or adventure, or just relax and connect with others, there's something for everyone in Severn.

Multi-use sport courts open in Washago and Marchmont

The new sport courts at Washago Centennial Park (3398 Quetton Street) and Marchmont Community Park (2049 Avery Lane) officially opened to the public on June 21. The grand opening in Washago included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, on-site food and drinks, and exciting demonstrations by local pickleball players and basketball coach David Inkumsah from Orillia Secondary School.

Attendees included MPP Jill Dunlop, Mayor Burkett and members of Council, OPP from the Orillia detachment, representatives of Severn’s Culture, Recreation, and Advisory Committee, court builders Court Surface Specialists, and numerous members of the local community. Funding for this project was received from the Government of Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Community, Culture and Recreation stream that funds key infrastructure projects to ensure thriving and healthy communities across Canada. 

Guidelines for sport court use

• Court uses include basketball, pickleball, or tennis only
• Hockey sticks and hockey nets are not permitted
• No use of skateboards, inline skates, or bikes
• No dogs or pets on the courts
• Hours of use are from dawn until dusk
• Court use is on a first-come, first serve basis
• There is a one-hour limit of play when users are waiting
• No food or beverage is permitted on the court
• Please be respectful of other court users and the court
• Vandalism may result in the courts being closed
• The courts are not supervised. Use at your own risk
• Users under 13 years of age should be supervised
• Township of Severn is not liable for any injuries
• In case of emergency call 9-1-1

View answers to FAQs about the courts at: severn.ca/parkFAQ.

For more information on the opening date of our Coldwater multi-use sport court, subscribe to updates at: severn.ca/subscribe.

Recreation survey open until August 2

We value your input and want to hear from you. Township of Severn's recreation survey is open until August 2, giving you the chance to shape the future of our community's recreation offerings. Your feedback helps us plan and improve our programs to better meet the needs and interests of residents of all ages. Whether you have suggestions for new activities, ideas for enhancing existing programs, or thoughts on how we can improve our facilities, we want to know. Take the survey

New youth pickleball drop-in sessions start August 6

Starting on August 6 until September 12 we will be offering new youth pickleball drop-in sessions at the Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street). These sessions provide young players the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game. This program is designed for youth aged eight and older, and it's a great way to stay active, meet new friends, and have fun.

• When: Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Fee: Free

Equipment will be provided, but if you have your own paddle, you are encouraged to bring it. Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (18 years or older).

Please note, even if the court is empty, it is reserved exclusively for youth during these hours.

Respect in public spaces, facilities, and recreation programs

Severn would like to remind all residents to maintain respect and consideration in our public spaces and when participating in our recreation programs. Courtesy and kindness help ensure everyone has equal access to all of our shared spaces.  

When visiting parks, using recreational facilities, docks and boat launches, or participating in programs, please:

• be kind to others
• be mindful of noise levels
• keep the area clean
• follow all posted guidelines.

In addition, we ask that you show respect to other participants, parks and facility users, and staff. Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome. Please remember that those who do not follow the code of conduct may be asked to leave a program or premises. Together, we can create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone.

View a list of our parks and facilities on our Parks, Beaches and Sports Field page.

Do you need to rent a facility, pavilion, or baseball diamond? Contact our Recreation Programmer for details.

Certified waterful

Looking for water access? Find out where you can put your boat, jet ski, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard in the water on our Facilities and Docks page. Please respect private property and general parking and No Parking signs. A reminder to always keep the roads clear for vehicles; every second matters in an emergency. If you would like to report a parking concern, please complete our online form. 

Beaches and water quality

Washago Centennial Park includes a beach where visitors can relax, swim and enjoy the warm weather. Before visiting the beach, we recommend that you check the beach water quality. Beach water quality is tested weekly by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and sampling results can be viewed on their website. 

• July 4, 2024: Notice of swimming advisory for Washago Centennial Park beach - Township of Severn

Colour our logo

Help celebrate Severn’s 30th birthday by getting creative and bringing our logo to life! The panels represent Severn’s charming and historical communities, our connection to water, and our appreciation for nature and rural landscapes. Drop your completed sheet at the Coldwater Community Centre (11 Michael Anne Drive), Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street), or our Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane) in July and August and we’ll hang your art in our windows to add colour to our community!

Download the colouring sheet

Print copies of the colouring sheet are available at multiple locations, including:

• Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane)
• Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street)
• Coldwater Community Centre (11 Michael Anne Drive)
• Severn Township Public Library (31 Coldwater Road)

Free crayons are also provided at these locations, making it easy for everyone to participate. We encourage residents of all ages to join in the fun. Submit your completed colouring sheets for a chance to have your artwork showcased on our social media accounts and displayed in our facilities. 

Upcoming events in Severn

Severn is a must-see destination that offers a huge variety of seasonal recreational activities. With its extensive forests and waterways, there are many opportunities to spend time outdoors enjoying all that Severn has to offer. Mark your calendars for some of the exciting events listed below taking place in Severn over the summer, or visit Severn’s Destination Marketing Organization Orillia and Lake Country Tourism  to see what’s happening all year round.

Coldwater Mill Market and Music

Hosted by the Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation Board, this free, family-friendly community event is sure to please. Come out to The Mill (1 Mill Street) every Friday night starting on August 2 until September 20 and enjoy the musical talents in our area.

• When: Fridays, August 2 to September 20
• Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Fee: Free

Woodrow Family Farm Day

Head to the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum (1474 Woodrow Road) on July 20 to discover their newest artifacts, including a 1952 Minneapolis Moline tractor, and immerse yourself in a day of historical exploration and family fun. Experience craft demonstrations, vintage steam equipment displays, meet local authors, enjoy musical entertainment, browse vendors and heritage organizations, participate in kids' activities, and savour a delicious barbeque lunch hosted by the Coldwater Lions Club.

• When: Saturday, July 20, 2024
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Fee: Admission by donation

Christmas in July events

Severn Library Township Library: July 20

Celebrate Christmas in July at the Severn Library and enjoy a festive atmosphere with crafts, goodies, and a visit from St. Nick himself.

• When: Saturday, July 20, 2024
• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Fee: Free

SegBay Chamber of Commerce

Help support our local food banks at South Eastern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism's first-ever Christmas in July event on July 25 at the Bressette Homestead Heritage Park (45 Lone Pine Road). Enjoy food, games for the kids, a market, and a tree lighting at dusk.

• When: Thursday, July 25, 2024
• Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Fee: Free. Cash, food, and pet food donations are welcome.

Interested in being a vendor? Contact info@segbay.ca or call 705-756-4863.

Washago Art Club Summer Art Sale

Discover the art panels on display in Washago from the post office down to County Road 169. Each panel is numbered, and you can place your bids in the corresponding binder at the Washago Art Club gallery (beside the Washago Community Centre near 4361 Hamilton Street) for a chance to win the panel in the summer art sale.

The auction will be held at the Washago Community Centre on August 24 at 12:00 p.m., with local vendors set up from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local artists and bring home some beautiful artwork.

• When: Auction and vendor sale is on Saturday, August 24, 2024
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., auction will be held at 12:00 p.m.
• Fee: Free to attend

For opening hours for the gallery, please visit https://washago.art/.

Coldwater BIA's Wonderful World of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Step into the enchanting realm of witchcraft and wizardry throughout Coldwater for a magical day filled with shopping at the street vendors and stores, ensuring fun for the entire family.

• When: Saturday, August 17, 2024
• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Fee: Free

Stay informed

For more updates and information, visit our website or follow us on our Facebook, X, or Instagram channels. You can also subscribe to our News and Notices at severn.ca/news.

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