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Toronto Opens New Sports Hubs at Centennial Park as $75 Million Revitalization Moves Forward

Centennial Park revitalization advances with new sports facilities and environmental improvements

TORONTO — The City of Toronto has reached a major milestone in the transformation of Centennial Park, officially opening new sports hubs and recreational facilities as part of a long-term plan to modernize one of the city’s largest and busiest parks.

City officials marked the opening on May 29, unveiling new amenities that form part of the Centennial Park Master Plan, a multi-year initiative that will see more than $75 million in City-approved investments made across the 213-hectare park.

Located in Etobicoke, Centennial Park attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors annually and serves as a venue for major sporting and community events.

New sports hubs now open

The latest phase of improvements includes the opening of two major sports hubs designed to expand recreation opportunities for residents.

The new West Sports Hub features:

  • Four baseball diamonds
  • Eight public beach volleyball courts
  • Twelve pickleball courts

Meanwhile, the East Sports Hub focuses on soccer and includes:

  • Three soccer pitches
  • One multi-use field
  • A premium regulation field
  • A new fieldhouse with change rooms, washrooms and community space

City officials say the facilities were designed to support both community recreation and major sporting events.

FIFA World Cup 2026 training site unveiled

A key component of the East Sports Hub is Toronto’s official venue-specific training site for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The regulation-sized training pitch and supporting fieldhouse will serve participating teams during the tournament.

Following FIFA World Cup 2026™, the facility will return to City control and be used for:

  • Local sports leagues
  • Community programming
  • Recreation activities
  • Youth soccer development

The City says the training site was intentionally integrated into the broader park redevelopment to ensure a long-term community legacy after the tournament concludes.

Environmental restoration included in project

Beyond sports infrastructure, the revitalization project also includes significant environmental improvements.

The City has completed naturalization work along Elmcrest Creek, including the planting of approximately:

  • 80,000 trees
  • Shrubs and native vegetation

Officials say the environmental enhancements are intended to improve ecological resilience while supporting biodiversity within the park.

Accessibility improvements have also been completed, including upgraded pathways and enhanced year-round washroom facilities.

More amenities still to come

The City says additional improvements will continue through 2028.

Future phases are expected to include:

  • A cricket pitch
  • New playgrounds
  • Splash pads
  • A skate trail
  • An updated chalet
  • Additional park infrastructure

Mayor Olivia Chow said the investments are intended to ensure growing communities have access to high-quality recreational spaces.

“Centennial Park is a vital space for residents and families, and these improvements will help make sure more people have access to high-quality places to stay active, connect with one another, and enjoy their community,” Chow said.

Councillor Stephen Holyday described Centennial Park as a cornerstone of the Etobicoke community and a destination for residents across Toronto.

When complete, the City says Centennial Park will become one of the largest and most significant outdoor recreation destinations in Canada.


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Alwin Marshall-Squire

Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief of S-Q Publications Inc., overseeing editorial strategy for GTA Weekly, GTA Today, and Vision Newspaper. He leads the publications’ mission to deliver bold, original journalism focused on the people and communities of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and the global Caribbean diaspora. Also writes for GTA Weekly and Vision Newspaper.

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