By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

Chatham’s St. Clair College Community Park is serving top-notch recreation opportunities for local residents.

That was evident at a ceremony Friday marking the completion of phase two of the project. The gathering included a large number of pickleball players who interrupted their games to get in on the ribbon cutting.

Three years ago, St. Clair College donated the 20-acre park, formerly a farm field on Bear Line, to Chatham-Kent for the purpose of establishing a recreational area. The park now features an array of amenities, including the Rogers Tennis Dome which opened in 2025.

Phase two of the park included the addition of basketball courts, a walking trail, two washroom buildings and state-of-the-art playground equipment.

To be completed in 2027, phase three of the project will feature a soccer/rugby field, a cricket pitch unique to the area, and a dedicated natural greenspace. 

Mayor Darrin Canniff acknowledged the contribution made by the college.

“We wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for St. Clair College,” the mayor told the crowd, adding the organization is “absolutely an amazing partner.”

He added amenities such as the park help attract investment to the community. 

St. Clair College president Michael Silvaggi acknowledged the progress.

“It is very much a privilege to celebrate another milestone of the St. Clair College Community Park,” Silvaggi said, adding the project’s vision was straightforward.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for future generations to enjoy space dedicated to recreation, wellness, community connection and of course, sport.” 

Municipal CAO Michael Duben, who lives nearby, emphasized the importance of collaboration in his comments.

“A lot of this wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for the hard-working folks at Parks and Rec who worked on this,” Duben said. “This project demonstrates the value of partnerships and investing in recreational opportunities that support a healthy, active and connected community. This is going to be the hub of a lot of activity, judging by what we’ve seen so far.”

To date, the park has benefitted from $4.2 million in funding through strategic reserves in 2022, capital budget costs in 2024 and 2025, as well as $2 million from the Hydro One Community Benefit in 2023. 

Members of the Chatham-Kent Pickleball Club and Pain Court Pickleball Club were consulted on the design of the courts.