City of Brantford and Equal Ground Community Gardens welcomed residents and visitors to celebrate the grand opening of the new upgraded playground, pool, garden beds and greenhouse at Woodman Park on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
The project was made possible thanks to $3,318,365 in funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, as well as an additional $76,800 in funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
“Equal Ground Community Gardens is thrilled to welcome everyone to the official opening of our Greenhouse and Learning Centre, the focal point of our newest and largest community garden site in Brantford. Getting the greenhouse built has been challenging, but well worth the effort! We have already welcomed so many people to the site and are looking forward to future programming at both the greenhouse as well as the gardens, for many years to come. We are immensely grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for funding, without which, this great facility would have only remained a dream for EGCG. In addition to OTF, we greatly appreciate our partners at the City of Brantford for ,” helping us create this beautiful space for members of the community to connect through gardening,” said Caitlin Schneider, President of Equal Ground Community Gardens
The new playground features an array of exciting new amenities designed to appeal to all ages and abilities. The accessible playground equipment is tailored for different age groups, complemented by a swing set on safe rubber safety surfacing. The park’s updated design incorporates innovative outdoor learning and meeting spaces, games tables, paved pathways, shade structures and new tree plantings. A highlight of the playground is the new We-Go-Swing™, which allows both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users to enjoy at the same time allowing more opportunities for interactive play.
Attendees enjoyed free activities including tours of the new greenhouse, recreational basketball, chalk art, and giant games and took advantage of a public swim offered at the recently renovated Woodman Pool. The recently renovated Woodman Pool opened in 2024 and features a heated 25-metre pool with five lanes for swimming lengths, 2-metre-deep end, a 1.2-metre shallow end with walk-in entry, accessible ramp, and a water bucket splash feature.
“Since 2009, Equal Ground Community Gardens has been initiating community gardens in the region. I am happy to be part of a government that sees the value in promoting green, welcoming spaces where the community can gather for social interactions and teach hands-on gardening techniques for future generations,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant.
“The City of Brantford is very grateful to our partners at the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario for the generous financial contributions that made this unique project possible. This renovation represents our commitment to providing inclusive and enjoyable recreational facilities for City of Brantford residents, ensuring the neighbourhood greatly benefits from the improved amenities. I have no doubt that the improved, and fully accessible Woodman Pool and upgraded playground will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for years to come,” added Kevin Davis, Mayor for the City of Brantford.
The Woodman Community Garden was built with accessibility and convenience in mind. The new gardens feature accessible and raised garden beds, a variety of fruit trees and vibrant pollinator gardens. Added amenities include a practical storage shed, shade structure and paved pathways for easy navigation. Thanks to a grant of $76,800 through the Resilient Communities Fund from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to Equal Ground Community Gardens (EGCG), the new greenhouse further enhances the garden experience, providing space for extended growing seasons and educational opportunities. Learn more about how to get involved with Equal Ground Community Gardens and about other community gardens in Brantford, please visit www.brantford.ca/CommunityGardens.
