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Parks, libraries and recreation centres are vital to a successful community. They are a way to connect the people and places where we live, work and play.

These crucial services are put at risk when things like vandalism and poor treatment of our staff and other users becomes an ongoing problem. In 2024, Respect YOUR Rec brought attention to several major vandalism incidents, and unfortunately it continues to be an issue.

Just last week brand new accessible power door operators were torn off the wall at Alder Recreation Centre. Copper wiring from baseball diamond lights and spectator seating benches were stolen from Rotary Park earlier this fall. These are just some examples of incidents that hurt us all in the end. Often spaces must be closed to complete repairs, and this impacts our participants and our residents.

“Respect YOUR Rec is all about recognizing the power our community spaces have to bring us all together,” said Sharon Doherty-Gaudin, manager, recreation and events. “ It’s a call to own our role in keeping these places welcoming, safe and full of pride. When each of us chooses to respect our parks, facilities and one another, we build a stronger, more caring community.”

Respect YOUR Rec kicks off on November 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Alder Recreation Centre with an evening of fun activities, prize giveaways, and the opportunity to sign the Respect Pledge. Plus, enter the pledge photo contest for the chance to win $100, $200 or $300 in Rec Bucks.

It takes strong leadership, willing to lead by example to inspire change. That’s why Mayor Lisa Post and members of council will begin the evening by taking the pledge again this year. Together, they are committing to work with the community to Respect YOUR Rec.

Town parks, libraries and recreation centres are true community hubs and should be safe and welcoming for everyone, staff, visitors, and users alike, always. Recreation spaces—including parks, libraries, sports fields and recreation centres—need to be safe and welcoming for everyone. This means staff, visitors and users alike.

“In the end, vandalism costs everyone,” Mayor Post added. “These are valuable funds and resources redirected from enhancing our spaces and programs to make repairs that shouldn’t be needed in the first place. We’re a community rooted in the way we are connected—we all need to take responsibility for protecting our spaces and respecting each other.”

The message of the campaign remains simple: Respect for yourself, respect for others, respect for our spaces and places and responsibility for your actions.

“When all of us lead with respect and kindness, we get to continue enjoying our amazing facilities here in Orangeville,” said Heather Savage, general manager, Community Services. “We’re a community that deserves to be proud of these spaces. To do that, we must work together and do our part.”

The pledge campaign will be available at both the Alder Recreation Centre and Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre from November 10 to 16. All members of our community are encouraged to make a pledge to Respect YOUR Rec by taking the pledge.

To learn more about the campaign visit orangeville.ca/RespectYourRec