Where would we be without recreation? Respect YOUR Rec invites community to take the Respect Pledge

How important are parks, libraries and recreation centres in making the places we live, work, or play feel like a community? The answer is they’re vital.

But when the staff, users, and spaces we rely on are treated disrespectfully, it impacts all of us, putting access to crucial services at risk. In 2024, holes in the Saputo Centre walls, flooded toilets, a trashed washroom at Rotary Park, and broken water features at the Harvey Curry Splash Pad are examples of the continued vandalism occurring in our spaces.

“The goal of the Respect YOUR Rec campaign is to remind everyone of the positive impact our community spaces have,” said Sharon Doherty-Gaudin, manager, recreation and events. “It’s about bringing everyone together to take pride in our shared spaces and ownership of our own actions and be a voice encouraging positive interactions.”

Respect YOUR Rec kicks off on November 4 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 wall. Plus, enter the pledge photo contest for the chance to win $100, $200 or $300 in Rec Bucks.

Mayor Post and members of Council will begin the evening by signing the pledge wall and 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.

“In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need to remind community members about the importance of respecting each other and Town facilities and properties, but we’re facing our reality head on,” Mayor Post added. “Resources that could be used to enhance our spaces and programs are being redirected for repairs. In the end, it costs everyone.” 

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

“Respect can go a long way – and it means we get to continue to enjoy the spaces we learn, connect, discover and let our imaginations roam,” said Darla Fraser, chief executive officer at the Orangeville Public Library. “We all need to do our part and commit to respecting one-another together.”

The Pledge Wall will be available at both the Alder Recreation Center and Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre from November 4 to 10. All members of our community are encouraged to make a pledge to Respect YOUR Rec by signing the pledge wall.