There has been strong community interest in developing a new multi-use sports court in the Town of Fergus to complement existing facilities, including the heavily used multi-use court at Bissell Park in Elora. An open area on the South end of Victoria Park has been identified as a potential site.

Victoria Park is an established community park featuring soccer fields, rugby fields, a walking track, playground equipment, and parking. The addition of a multi-use sports court will expand recreational opportunities and enhance the park's ability to serve residents of all ages.

The current concept design for the Multi-Use court is proposed to include the following features:

• Hard-surfaced court (approximately 15 m x 26 m).
• Multi-sport court markings to accommodate activities such as basketball, pickleball, soccer, handball, volleyball, badminton, and other recreational uses.
• Combination basketball hoops and soccer goals with extended fencing behind the goals to contain balls and improve safety.
• Accessible pathway connection linking the court to the existing municipal sidewalk network.
• Seating area for participants and spectators, with consideration for the inclusion of shade features.
• Potential installation of sports lighting to extend court use during evening hours.

This multi-use court is intended to be non-bookable/non-programmable, and will operate on a first come, first served, with play-time limits to help ensure equitable access for all users. Township staff plan on advancing the design of the facility in the Fall of 2026, and presenting the preferred option to Township Council for review and approval early in 2027. Pending Council approval, construction of the facility could commence in 2027.

Several user groups currently utilize the existing facilities within Victoria Park. The Township engaged with these local user groups on the design and received the following feedback:

• The following setback from rugby/soccer Fields should be adhered to:
  • 3 meters off of the back lines
  • 5 meters off of the side lines
  • 5 to 10 meters off tri-line/end zones
• The rugby & soccer clubs were indifferent to having a fully fenced court.
• The rugby & soccer clubs noted the South side of the practice field is used for game warm-up and would appreciate the court being placed in a location that maintains the maximum amount of practice area.
• The rugby and soccer clubs outlined that they do not have major concerns with ball conflicts.
• Consider four to six nets in the design, potentially by widening the court, similar to the Stratford or SJK examples. This remains a top recommendation, as a court layout and number of nets are difficult to change later, while other features can be phased in over time.
• Maximize the available court space wherever possible. Even if two full courts are not feasible, slightly wider sidelines or a modestly expanded footprint would improve long-term usability and accessibility.
• Outdoor lighting should be considered for incorporation now or planned for a future retrofit, with conduit installed to support future upgrades.
• Plexiglass backboards as the preferred option for durability and quality of play.
• Full fencing around the court is preferred to support safety and ball containment.
• Expanded seating and gathering area, anticipating high use from local youth walking home from school.
• Covered seating or shade structures to provide shade opportunity, even if only the footings are installed at this stage.
• Consider future community fundraising potential for benches and shelters, which could be added in later phases.
• Preference for court surface would be acrylic and asphalt as opposed to tile.
• Consider adding court signage for operational use, along with a number to call in case of any complaints/issues.
• Consider adding a maximum time limit on the court to allow the public to "self-regulate" playing times and shared use.

• The following setback from rugby/soccer Fields should be adhered to:
  • 3 meters off of the back lines
  • 5 meters off of the side lines
  • 5 to 10 meters off tri-line/end zones
• The rugby & soccer clubs were indifferent to having a fully fenced court.
• The rugby & soccer clubs noted the South side of the practice field is used for game warm-up and would appreciate the court being placed in a location that maintains the maximum amount of practice area.
• The rugby and soccer clubs outlined that they do not have major concerns with ball conflicts.