Arenas, Community Centre and Parks
The Embro Zorra Community Centre opened in 1976 and was substantially renovated in 2010. A hub for Embro and surrounding area, the community centre features an arena with seating for 600 available for public or private rentals. The community centre also offers a Community Hall with two rooms available for rental to the public year-round and is an ideal location for wedding receptions, dances and other special events.
Features & Amenities
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Arena - 85’ x 185’ ice surface with seating for 600 |
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Arena Lobby open space, seating area, ice viewing area |
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Large Hall - 50' x 100' with commercial kitchen. Maximum capacity of 250 people. |
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Small Hall - 30' x 40' with consumer kitchen. Maximum capacity of 80 people. |
| Adjoining park with playground, soccer pitches lawn bowling club |
Activities & Recreation Programs
Zorra Township offers recreation programs for all ages year round. For more information, please visit the Drop-In Programs page.
Address: 355644 35th Line, Embro Ontario
Direct Phone: 519-425-2319
The Thamesford District Recreation Centre opened in 1975 with renovation in 2000 and 2020. A hub for Thamesford and surrounding area, the community centre features an arena with seating for 350 available for public or private rentals. The community centre also offers a Community Hall available for rental to the public year-round and is an ideal location for wedding receptions, dances, low impact sports and other special events.
Features & Amenities
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Arena - 85’ x 185’ ice surface with seating for 350 |
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Large Hall - 50' x 100' with commercial kitchen. Maximum capacity of 250 people. |
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Adjoining park with a skate park, soccer pitches and beach volleyball courts |
Recreation Facility Accessibility
The Evacuation Plans for the Embro-Zorra Community Centre and Thamesford District Recreation Centre include the safety of people with disabilities. Recreation staff are trained on emergency evacuation procedures, which includes supporting vulnerable occupants including but not limited to people with disabilities, older adults, and children.
Click here for a map of accessible exits at the Thamesford District Recreation Centre.
Personal support person
If you have a disability or need assistance taking part in a recreation program, you are welcome to bring a personal support person. A personal support person will gain a free admission when accompanying a participant. Some exceptions may apply.
A support person could be a family member, an individual found through an organization, or a friend who is at least 14 years old. A support person handles the care, support and safety of the participant while participating in the program. They must stay with the individual they are supporting at all times.
Guest Feedback
The Township strives to improve accessibility for our residents and guests with disabilities and therefore we want to hear from you! To share your comments, questions and suggestions about the provision of our recreation services and facilities to people with disabilities, please contact the Manager of Recreation and Facilities at scaldwell@zorra.ca.
Activities & Recreation Programs
Zorra Township offers recreation programs for all ages year round. For more information, please visit the Drop-In Programs page.
Address: 85 Middleton Street, Thamesford Ontario
Direct Phone: 519-425-2315
Community Halls
The Beaty room is located inside the Thamesford Library & Resource Centre. Named after the late Harvey Beaty, a prominent local businessman.
The Beaty Room offers public rentals for events such as family gatherings, funeral luncheons, business meetings and fitness classes.
Features & Amenities
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Hall - 27' x 40' with commercial kitchen, Maximum Capacity of 80 people, Tables, Chairs and Serveware, Drop down projector screens. |
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Thamesford Branch of the Oxford County Library. |
Get Directions
Address: 165 Dundas Street, Thamesford Ontario
Once a municipal office and home of the local jailhouse, this historic building now houses a local theatre and library. There is a small meeting room with a kitchenette for meetings and a stage and theatre setting is located on the upper floor. Home of the Thistle Theatre, a local theatre group to present live theatrical productions annually.
Features & Amenities
- Performance Hall with stage. Lighting and sound systems not included.
- Embro Branch of the Oxford County Library
Get Directions
Address: 135 Huron Street, Embro Ontario
Once the home of the Broadview United Church, this heritage building is maintained by the Township to facilitate a branch of the Oxford County Library system. This facility is located in the heart of the village of Harrington and is situated next to a scenic pond owned and operated by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.
This facility can also be rented out for smaller gatherings in the hall area, located on the upper floor of the building.
This facility is rented by the Harrington Area Community Association.
Contact: Nancy Skillings
Phone: 519-536-0955
Email: nancyskillings10@hotmail.com
Features & Amenities
- Performance Hall with stage. Lighting and sound systems not included. Capacity 90 people.
Address: 539 Victoria St, Embro Ontario
Parks
The South Lions park provides a variety of amenities. The splash pad is an accessible opportunity to cool down on a hot day. Built in 2018, the splash pad operates between May and September, as weather permits.
Also within the South Lions park is the Lions Pavilion. The pavilion is available to rent for family picnics or general gatherings throughout the summer.
Thamesford's second baseball diamond is also located here. Due to it's location and size, this diamond is available to rent and is primarily used for smaller or younger groups.
Get Directions
Address: 224 Seldon Street, Thamesford Ontario.
The home of Thamesford's main baseball diamond. Equipped with lights and a canteen, this facility is the location of home games for the Thamesford Minor Baseball Association and the Men's Slo-Pitch League. The diamond is available to rent for teams or personal use between May to September. Also located at the North Park is a playground and secondary warm-up diamond.
Address: 221 George Street, Thamesford.
Located directly to the north of the Thamesford District Recreation Centre, the Terry Fox Park is also where you can find the skate park.
Constructed in 2018, the skate park has features for all ages and abilities and enjoyed with skateboards, scooters and bikes. Motorized or battery powered vehicles should not be used on the Skate Park.
Get Directions
Address: 85 Middleton Street, Thamesford Ontario
In 2012, a committee of Thamesford residents approached the Township about establishing an off-leash dog park. A variety of locations were considered before selecting the location in Grace Patterson Park on Allen Street. This location proved to be ideal due to lots of green space and ample parking. The Committee raised enough money to build the park and volunteers worked with the Recreation Department to see the park completed in the fall of 2013. A grand opening celebration was held on November 2, 2013.
In 2023, part of the dog park was sectioned off to create a separate section for small dogs. This section provides a space for small dogs to roam separate from larger dogs.
Rules for Use of the Off-Leash Park:
- Open from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week.
- PICK UP YOUR DOGS POOP - don't make others do it.
- Dog must have all vaccinations up to date and dog licenses.
- Use the off leash dog park at your own risk.
- Leash your dog while entering and exiting the park.
- Keep your dog in sight and verbal control at all times.
- No puppies under 6 months of age, female dogs in heat, sick dogs or aggressive/out of control dogs.
- No play toys, balls or food of any kind allowed in the park.
- Unsupervised children under 14 years are not permitted.
- If your dog digs holes in dirt, please repair holes.
- Pitbulls as defined under the Ontario law must be muzzled and leashed at all times whether they are in and off leash park or not.
- No glass containers allowed at park.
Get Directions
Address: 140 Allen Street, Thamesford Ontario
A passive park that runs along the Thames River, this park provides a gentle walking or cycling path and various places to stop and enjoy the surrounding nature. The proximity to the Thames River also allows for access to fishing.
Now equipped with a 6-hole family-friendly Disc Golf course, that is designed for all levels and open year-round. Supplies for disc golf can be borrowed from the Thamesford Library and Village Catering & Deli (deposit required).
Get Directions
Address: 194975 19th Line, Thamesford Ontario
Located adjacent to the Thamesford District Recreation Centre and includes one full-sized soccer field. Multiple nets are set around the space to allow for various field sizes to accommodate all levels of soccer players. Primarily the home field to the Thamesford Minor Soccer Association it is also available for community use.
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Address: 85 Middleton Street, Thamesford
The large expanse of park space behind the Thamesford District Recreation Centre is the location of the Thamesford Beach Volleyball Club courts and a trail connecting the facility and Middleton Street to the Thames Springs Subdivision. Surrounded by homes, this protected area is a large space to enjoy a variety of activities.
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Address: 85 Middleton Street, Thamesford
A passive park that provides a space to rest and enjoy the nearby Thames River. This park is a destination when travelling through the village to other recreational pursuits.
Address: 102 Allen Street, Thamesford Ontario
The home of Embro's main baseball diamond. Equipped with lights and a canteen, this facility is the location of home games for the Embro Minor Baseball Association and various adult leagues. The diamond is available to rent for teams or personal use between May to September.
Get Directions
Address: 140 Argyle Street, Embro Ontario
Memorial Park provides a variety of amenities including a splash pad, playground equipment and a basketball court. Located adjacent to the baseball diamond at Matheson Park, there are lots of opportunities to find some recreation.
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Address: 118 St. Andrews Street, Embro Ontario
Wallace Park provides a safe place for the youth in the Embro Community to play on our new playground structure. A small pavilion provides shade and shelter.
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Address: 86 John Street, Embro Ontario