Impact In Focus
Capturing Grant-Powered Change
The Community Foundation has provided extensive support to local schools through funding for musical instruments, athletic programs, technological upgrades, and infrastructure improvements. With support from the community foundation, aging playground equipment, deemed out of compliance with current safety guidelines, has been replaced with modern, inclusive structures at all three schools. This investment not only brings the spaces up to today’s safety expectations but also revitalizes community gathering places for families.
Visit Hillcrest Public School, Kent Public School or St. Mary Catholic Elementary School for a photo!
A community member noticed that unlike many parks, Kennedy Park in Campbellford lacked a water fountain. After discussing the need with the Rotary Club, Trent Hills Municipality, and other residents, they set a goal to have a fountain and bottle‑fill station installed. A fundraising proposal was launched, the Rotary Club applied for a community foundation grant, and local businesses were approached for sponsorship. Within about three months the necessary funds were secured, and the full project was completed in roughly eight months. The result is a new bi‑level water fountain with a bottle‑fill station near the splash pad, now serving the hundreds of people who visit the park each week during soccer season.
The Rotary Club of Campbellford undertook a landscaping project to beautify the west entrance of the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge to create an inviting atmosphere for both residents and tourists. Supported by a $6,000 grant from the Community Foundation, the project’s budget covered the purchase of various trees and shrubs—including maples, spruce, and junipers—as well as labor, pathway materials like cedar chips, and a granite rock for a recognition plaque. The project was a collaborative effort, utilizing the energy of Rotary volunteers, the Horticultural Society, and the Municipality of Trent Hills, which provided the landscaping plans and ongoing maintenance. Completed by June 24, 2004, in time for the bridge's grand opening, the initiative successfully transformed the entrance from a simple walkway into a community focal point and park that enhances the scenic Rotary Trail.
The Friends of Ferris have worked to make the local provincial park a destination for everyone. Grants have funded trail brochures and a playground initiative, as well as a specialized DeBug Wheelchair to allow individuals with mobility issues to navigate the park's terrain. In 2017 the volunteer-led organization requested grant funding to replace outdated playground equipment at Ferris Provincial Park. By installing modern structures that meet current safety standards, the new playground enhances the park experience for local families and campers. Additional financial backing was provided by Friends of Ferris, Ontario Parks and the Rotary Club of Campbellford. This project highlights the group's dedication to environmental preservation and community engagement through the improvement of public recreational facilities. Look for new educational signage, funded in 2026, featuring Map Turtle habitats in the park.
Between 2010 and today, the Aron Theatre Co-operative transformed from a historic venue into a modern community hub. Early funding supported marquee restoration and the transition to a digital projector, while later grants focused on accessibility, sound insulation, and single-use washrooms. Most recently, the theatre has focused on the future through a Youth Engagement Manager and the building of an Indigenous Circle partnership. Grant funding in 2026 will support planning for the 80th anniversary of the theatre in 2027!
The Library Courtyard Restoration Project in 2025 aimed to revitalize the Campbellford library courtyard through public art. To that end, the fence bordering the courtyard and Apollo's Pizzeria was taken down and replaced; artist Jeffrey Weekes designed and painted a mural with the participation of the Artworth Art Camp youth. The impact of the new fence/mural was immediate; the beautification of the courtyard has been noted by community members and library patrons, photos with the butterfly in the mural have become commonplace, and the feeling of decline and neglect that had shrouded the courtyard is gone. Numerous community members and out-of-town visitors have praised the new addition, and the symbolism in the mural: the turtle (symbolizing Turtle Island and Indigenous resilience), the rainbow (symbolizing the LGBTQ+ community), and the monarch butterfly symbolizing strength (as an endangered species that is thriving thanks to the people who have helped them). Library staff also feel a sense of pride in the artwork, and feel more ownership over the space. Watch for the addition of a Pollinator Garden in the Courtyard with 2026 grant funding from the Community Foundation.
The Campbellford Incredible Edibles Festival Inc. evolved from a local event into a year-round sustainability initiative. Grants supported the creation of the Campbellford Edibles Gardens; one on Doxsee Avenue North in 2016 and one on Simpson Street, on the west side of town, in 2020, as well as a Bee City Canada designation for the municipality in 2019. The community foundation also provided funding to initiate the cooking and gardening classes for local Grade 8 students in 2022, and a Local Food Connection Map in 2025 which showcases farm stands and food producers throughout Northumberland County - Big Map Home - IncrEdible Trent Hills Food Map.
The 2022 Veterans Reflection Bench project supports Trent Hills Council’s communityrevitalization goals by enhancing a site of national and local heritage, promoting education, volunteerism, and pride of citizenship. Accessible and inclusive, it offers a meaningful place for reflection for residents, newcomers, and veterans alike.
At the dedication event, Mayor Bob Crate praised the IODE’s long‑standing commitment to community service, noting that the bench is another example of their dedication. His remarks energized members, from new volunteers to those with decades of service.
The IODE Parkette already provides a place to gather, and the Veterans Reflection Bench adds a wellness element for passersby, including veterans coping with PTSD. It also honours Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, herself a veteran devoted to lifelong service.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 103 opened the Vimy Lounge for a reception following the dedication ceremony. Their president also highlighted the new bench during the Remembrance Day service, where more than 200 attendees responded with heartfelt appreciation for having a place to sit at the Cenotaph.
A powerful moment occurred when 99‑year‑old veteran William Neale attended the service. Students from St. Mary’s Grade 7 and 8 classes gathered around him as he shared a message of forgiveness, love, and leadership. His presence at the bench fulfilled its purpose—connecting generations and deepening understanding of Canadian heritage.
These experiences demonstrate the project’s lasting impact. The bench created opportunities for learning, remembrance, and community connection that would not have occurred otherwise.
The project succeeded through the partnership of IODE Canada, the Campbellford Seymour Community Foundation, the Municipality of Trent Hills, Legion Branch 103, piper James Wessel, and IODE Ontario. Together, they helped create a meaningful addition to Cenotaph Park that will benefit the community for years to come.
Supported by consecutive grants from the Community Foundation in 2003 and 2004, the Campbellford-Seymour Horticultural Society successfully completed a major beautification project at Picnic Island Park. The first phase in 2003 involved the construction of a pergola in collaboration with the Campbellford Woodworking Club, along with the planting of replacement trees. The project’s second phase in 2004 finalized the site with a protective stain for the pergola, the installation of two benches on cement pads, and additional landscaping featuring blue spruce trees and shrubs. This collaborative effort, which also included the Rotary Club and local volunteers, as well as many other projects spearheaded by the organization contribute to community beautification.
The canteen at the back of the Rotary Hall is enjoyed by visitors to the skate park, splash pad, playground and sports fields at Kennedy Park. A mural, co-designed with artist Jeffrey Weekes will be painted on the outside wall in July 2026, with the help of Artworth Art Camp children and youth. This mural will celebrate the landscape, plants and animals in our area, and will build a stronger sense of belonging for the children and youth involved. The response to the 2024 and 2025 murals at the Campbellford Public Library that Artworth participants worked on was substantial, with many of the campers bringing parents and grandparents to view their work. Campers requested more mural projects, and involving children and youth in public art projects has become a strategic priority for Artworth, with a mission to grow beauty and community vitality as well as strengthen youth sense of community belonging.
In 2021 Bike Action Trent Hills reached out to Trent Hills Public Library about developing a partnership. The first step was an ‘ABCs of Bike Maintenance’ event, which showed the viability of using library space to introduce tools and expertise to the community, followed by a ‘Halloween Bike Ride,’ starting and ending at the Campbellford Library (with bike decorating kits donated by the library). The partnership evolved further, and a grant application to the community foundation was approved for bike tool kits in each THPL branch. Space was designated at each library branch for bicycle repair and maintenance, and bike programming initiatives. Library patrons are able to use the bike tool kits both onsite at the library branches and as circulating items to check out. The bike tool kits and the partnership with Bike Action have introduced a new demographic to the library, encourage community health and wellness through exercise, all while teaching people bike maintenance skills and self-sufficiency.
In 2004 the Campbellford Kinsmen Club, in partnership with the Municipality of Trent Hills, undertook a revitalization project for the Brian Runions Ball Diamond (formerly the Campbellford Kinsmen Memorial Ball Diamond) located on the Campbellford Fair Grounds. The project was initiated to address years of neglect that had resulted in declining attendance and local leagues being forced to play elsewhere. The grant supported major renovations, including the full replacement of fencing around the diamond and significant canteen repairs such as a new roof, eavestrough, and washroom doors. Following the improvements, the diamond was booked every night of the week by Minor Ball, Men’s, and Mixed leagues. The facility also hosted additional tournaments and provided space for local high school gym classes. Improved conditions led to higher spectator attendance and increased canteen revenue, and the project successfully restored the diamond as a desirable local venue.
In 2006, the Lions Club of Campbellford initiated a new wheelchair-accessible washroom project at Lions Park Beach to enhance a facility that has served as a central community hub for over fifty years. While a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation supported the construction, the facility is part of the club's broader mission to provide the park and its amenities free of charge to the public. Maintained by Lions Club volunteers, the park remains a popular destination for swimming, picnics, and community events, with the new washrooms ensuring that these services are inclusive and accessible to all residents and visitors.
The Campbellford-Seymour Heritage Society has utilized technology to keep history alive. Grants have supported the microfilm collection of the Campbellford Herald and the creation of a website to share local archives. In 2016 they completed a Cemetery Mapping Project and in 2024 the Trent Hills Sports Wall of Honour Kiosk project to celebrate local sports legends. Visit the kiosks at the Hastings Field House, the Warkworth Arena and/or the Sunny Life Recreation & Wellness Centre to read about locals who made their mark in local sports history!
Lower Trent Conservation successfully completed two enhancement projects at the Seymour Conservation Area with funding support from the Community Foundation. The first project, in 2003, involved the installation of two benches, one at the trail head and another at a midway junction, to improve the recreational experience for visitors. The second project, in 2004, resulted in the production of two interpretive signs designed to educate the public on the importance of wetland habitats. Both projects utilized weather-resistant materials to ensure longevity, contributing to the organization’s long-term goals of providing improved public facilities and expanding opportunities for environmental learning.
Westben Arts Festival Theatre has grown its infrastructure and youth outreach through targeted grants. Beyond funding Youth and Educational Programs, the Foundation supported the construction of a permanent concession shed, and grounds, lighting and technical booth enhancements. Innovative recent projects include the "Yellow Brick Road Food Forest" in 2025, and in 2026, a “Swamp Organ”, offering a unique, hands-on way for attendees to connect with music, the outdoors and each other. Past funding also assisted with digital outreach programs during the pandemic.
In 2017, the refurbishment of the Campbellford Tennis Courts was made possible through a Municipal collaboration with provincial and local funders, with the Ontario 150 Community Capital Program contributing $35,000 and the Community Foundation providing a $5,000 grant towards the project. These funds supported comprehensive upgrades, including resurfacing of the playing area, replacing the perimeter fencing, and installing new nets and poles. The addition of lines for two pickleball courts supported the increased interest in this sport. These improvements were urgently needed because the original surface had become "virtually unplayable" due to large, deep cracks and general deterioration that made the facility dangerous for users. Local residents had largely abandoned the courts in favor of facilities in other towns, and the restoration was essential to provide a safe, high-quality space for community recreation.
Kennedy Park serves as a centerpiece for local recreation thanks to a multi-phase redevelopment initiative in partnership with the Municipality of Trent Hills. The Revitalization of Kennedy Park began in 2008, when the Municipality of Trent Hills received a Municipal Fund grant from the Community Foundation to hire a consultant to create a master plan for the revitalization. The plan had three phases: the first phase was to re-allocate the soccer fields to be more conducive to soccer play, add parking spaces, and to build a state-of-the-art skatepark (2009). The second phase would see the creation of a vibrant playground for young people and adults alike (2010), and the third phase would focus on the addition of a spectacular splash pad (2011). Finishing touches included accessible picnic tables, benches, shade shelters, and signage recognizing donors. Grant funds from both the Community Fund and Municipal Fund supported this project from beginning to end.
In 2009, the Community Foundation formed the Trent Hills Playground and Fitness Park Committee with volunteers from each of the communities in Trent Hills. By engaging volunteers from all Trent Hills communities, we were able to focus on bridging our rural gaps and inspire grassroots community spirit.
The Community Foundation applied to the Let Them Be Kids organization on behalf of the community, and subsequently received an award for 50% of the funding to build three new playgrounds and three outdoor adult fitness parks – one in Hastings, one in Warkworth and one in Campbellford. A Kool-Aid Award, one of only 10 in Canada, provided a further $5,000 towards the equipment. Committee members organized 22 fundraisers and obtained cash and in-kind donations from businesses, service organizations and individuals in the community. In summary, our communities came together with over 250 donations and four grants. The “Community Build Day” was held on September 4th, 2010 and with help from three hundred community volunteers the three playgrounds were built in one day!
In 2009, the Community Foundation formed the Trent Hills Playground and Fitness Park Committee with volunteers from each of the communities in Trent Hills. By engaging volunteers from all Trent Hills communities, we were able to focus on bridging our rural gaps and inspire grassroots community spirit.
The Community Foundation applied to the Let Them Be Kids organization on behalf of the community, and subsequently received an award for 50% of the funding to build three new playgrounds and three outdoor adult fitness parks – one in Hastings, one in Warkworth and one in Campbellford. A Kool-Aid Award, one of only 10 in Canada, provided a further $5,000 towards the equipment. Committee members organized 22 fundraisers and obtained cash and in-kind donations from businesses, service organizations and individuals in the community. In summary, our communities came together with over 250 donations and four grants. The “Community Build Day” was held on September 4th, 2010 and with help from three hundred community volunteers the three playgrounds were built in one day!
It was a multi-decade journey to establish modern recreational infrastructure within the Trent Hills community. Beginning with local discussions in 1996, the initiative evolved through extensive public consultations, feasibility studies, and collaborative fundraising efforts led by the Community Foundation through the Flourish Campaign. These efforts resulted in several key milestones, including the 2015 opening of the Hastings Field House. The process culminated in the construction of the Sunny Life Recreation and Wellness Centre, which officially opened in late 2024. The Recreation Re-development Initiative of the Flourish Campaign also raised funds to upgrade the Warkworth Arena. By securing provincial and federal grants alongside significant local donations, the municipality successfully replaced aging facilities with versatile hubs for fitness and sport.
Focus on the fun at the Hastings Field House, Warkworth Arena and/or the Sunny Life Recreation & Wellness Centre in Campbellford.
