On Friday community members from the Municipality of Trent Lakes, elected officials, and government representatives gathered at the Lakehurst Hall to celebrate the opening of the Lower Bowl.
In February 2024 municipal council approved a $200,000 project to build an amphitheatre for outdoor performances and last summer they approved a zoning bylaw amendment for a trail head and an open space that could be used as an extension to the hall.
The contract to construct an outdoor performance space at the Lakehurst Hall in Trent Lakes has been awarded to Young’s Construction with a winning bid of $237,238.32. The municipality was able to secure provincial funding for this project through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in the amount of $185,400 which was used to construct the Lakehurst Hall Lower Bowl, a new events space for residents of all ages to enjoy art and recreation programming outdoors.
On July 31, MPP Dave Smith, Paul Rosebush, Chair of OTF, Trent Lakes Council members and Staff, as well as community members all gathered at the Lower Bowl to celebrate the grand opening event.
“Community spaces like Lakehurst Hall are at the heart of our vibrant rural towns,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “This $185,400 investment from the Ontario government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation has transformed the hall’s outdoor grounds into an accessible, beautiful venue where residents of all ages can come together for arts, culture, and outdoor recreation for years to come.”
The Lower Bowl includes a 70-person capacity, three tier, armour stone seating area facing a grass platform, along with an accessible ramp and an armour stone sound barrier wall. In addition to the Lower Bowl, the grant allowed for a new trailhead and updated greenspace to be developed behind the Lakehurst Hall which leads to a 1.7-kilometre walking trail. The Lakehurst Hall is one of Trent Lakes community halls, offering events and booking space through its board of volunteers.
“We are deeply grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support and bringing our vision to life,” said Terry Lambshead, Mayor of Trent Lakes. “This space will provide an inclusive, accessible venue for gatherings and celebrations, strengthening the connection and well being of the community.”
Those looking to inquire about using the space are asked to contact the Lakehurst Community Hall Board through their website, www.lakehursthall.com.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
