Brantford residents gathered today to celebrate the opening of the city’s newest recreational space: a tournament-standard lawn bowling green at the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course and Learning Centre.
The grand opening included live music by local band Barcode, guided lessons, and free open play for curious newcomers and experienced bowlers alike.
“Today’s celebration highlights the City of Brantford’s commitment to providing high-quality recreational spaces for everyone in Brantford,” said City Councillor Rose Sicoli during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The fully enclosed green, complete with lighting, a 6 x 6 metre sheltered seating area, storage, and landscaping, replaces the former lawn bowling facility in Dufferin Park.
According to City Councillor Gino Caputo, the relocation marks the return of an activity that was once a popular fixture in Brantford’s parks.
“It’s a fantastic addition to our amenities, offering residents of all ages a new opportunity to stay active, connect with friends and neighbours, and enjoy time outdoors,” Caputo said.
Speaking with BrantBlog, Karen Jackson, Games Coordinator of the newly renamed Brantford Lawn Bowling Club, described the opening as a fresh start after years without a dedicated facility.
“We haven’t had a lawn bowling green in Brantford for over two years,” Jackson said. “They redeveloped the park we were in, and now we finally have a home again.”
Jackson emphasized the benefits lawn bowling brings, particularly for seniors.
“It gets people out of the house, into the sun for vitamin D, moving, and socializing,” she explained. “It’s a sport where you can be competitive or play purely for leisure.”
Jackson, herself an accomplished competitor who bowls at the provincial level, underlined her hope that lawn bowling will one day be featured in the Olympics.
“We’re already part of the Commonwealth Games,” she said. “If they’ve let in breakdancing, why not lawn bowling? It’s been around since the 1500s. I’d love to see it on the Olympic stage.”
Lawn bowling memberships for the 2025 season are now available for $75 per person, granting unlimited drop-in play on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting.
Players are asked to wear flat-soled shoes—“no high heels, we’re not divas here,” Jackson joked—and all other equipment is provided.
The City is also seeking volunteers and rink sponsors to support the program. Businesses or organizations interested in sponsorship can call 519-753-6112.
For full membership and volunteer details, visit www.Brantford.ca/LawnBowling.
