Blanche E. Williams

This state-of-the-art Community Centre and 24-acre community park is Brantford’s largest park in the southwestern part of Brantford. There are many paved walking trails and neighbourhood connections throughout the site. Free onsite parking is available. Free WIFI is available. The Brantford Library-Shellard Lane Branch and Blanche E. Williams Elementary School is also onsite.

Community Celebration

The community is invited to join the City of Brantford, Brantford Public Library, Grand Erie District School Board and Shellard Neighbourhood Association to celebrate the new Blanche E. Williams Community Centre and Public Elementary School and Shellard Lane Branch on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Residents can enjoy free family-friendly activities, tours and more from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 10 Strickland Ave. Welcoming remarks will take place in the gymnasium at 1:00 p.m. followed by free cake and refreshments in the Community Room, while supplies last. 

Upon arrival, attendees can pick up a free activity passport to help them explore the impressive new facility and for a chance to win prizes. Families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day, including meet-and-greets with PAW Patrol’s Chase and Skye at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., live entertainment with Gabby’s Dollhouse Cat-Tastic Dance Party at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and the Barry O Kids Show at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., in the gymnasium.

Guests are encouraged to explore all the new facility has to offer and take a tour leaving every 30-minutes from the Reception Counter near the Community Centre entrance. Attendees are also invited to enjoy a free outdoor barbecue with refreshments, while supplies last. Challenge your skills in the Escape Room located outdoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. While the barbecue and Escape Room is provided at no cost, donations supporting future Shellard Neighbourhood Association events and programming are welcome.

Additional activities include basketball, sports and interactive games in the gymnasium, opportunities to connect with representatives from the Shellard Neighbourhood Association in the meeting room, roaming entertainment with Guiness World-Record-holding stilt walker Doug “The Great” Hunt, and the chance to contribute to a community art mural that will be proudly displayed at the facility following the event.     

Library staff will be offering various fun activities for all ages to enjoy from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., along with tours of the new branch. 

Read full media release.

Amenities now open:

• 24-acre community park
• Community Centre with meeting rooms
• Quad gymnasium with movable bleachers
• Accessible playground and swings
• Snack Shack
• Change rooms and public washrooms
• New shade structures and trees
• Bike racks

Amenities open in 2027:

• Splash pad with multiple water features
• Multi-use sports court
• Skateboard park
• Outdoor ice rink (opening winter 2027)
• Regulation-sized Cricket pitch
• Artificial regulation-sized turf field
• 5 outdoor pickleball courts

When visiting the park, to prioritize safety, please avoid fenced-in areas, watch out for others, and have fun.