The Stratford Community Services Department ensures the availability of a wide range of programs/services, facilities, open space and leisure opportunities which enhance the quality of life in Stratford and which meet the needs of the residents. The Department does this by working with the community wherever possible, and when directly providing programs/services ensuring maximum effectiveness within the limits of available resources.

The City of Stratford’s Park System, the largest per capita in the country, is the envy of many cities. In addition to the over thirty neighbourhood parks, our River system runs unbroken from the westerly city limits to the easterly limits. The River System lends itself very nicely to long walks, cross-country skiing, skating, tobogganing, and just pure enjoyment.

In addition to the natural beauty or our park system, we also have a large number of community facilities.

Located along the beautiful Avon River, this attractive building is a multi-purpose facility, which is owned and operated by the City of Stratford Community Services Department. As a community building, the facilities are accessed by a wide variety of user groups including charitable, church, service and private. As well, the Centre is home to the Stratford Lakeside Seniors' Association. The Kiwanis Community Centre offers a Hall/Auditorium with a Kitchen that will hold up to 165 people. Also available is a conference room, four smaller meetings rooms that will hold anywhere from 30-60 people, and a kitchenette.

• New tables and chairs
• Set up and take downs available
• Perfect for weddings, banquets, receptions, parties, meetings, seminars
• Fully accessible
• Parking

Part of the Kiwanis Community Centre Complex, this Theatre is named after the founder of the Stratford Shakespearean Festival, Tom Patterson. Seating up to 480 people, this theatre has a “runway thrust” stage, with audience members sitting on three sides. This space has developed a special persona, offering inventive productions with special flare.

Part of the Kiwanis Community Centre Complex, this Club operates seasonally with a strong membership. Three greens are available for play from dawn until after dusk. Fully lit.

Built in 1924, the Allman Arena is one of the oldest operating arenas in the world. Named in memory of long time manager, Bill Allman, this Arena has a heritage that dates back to its very beginnings when the "Stratford Flash", Howie Morenz played in the "Old Barn". Many N.H.L. Stars have played here including George Hay, Nick Libbet, Craig Hartsburg, Ed Olczyk, Nelson Emerson, Rob Blake, Chris Pronger, Tim Taylor, Dave Shaw, Mike Peluso, Louis DeBrusk, Brian Smolinski, Marc Potvin, Kevin Dahl, Greg De Vries, Garth Snow, Rem Murray, Mike Watt, and Boyd Devereaux. Many more have gone on to successful College, Jr. ‘A’ and Minor League hockey careers.

• Unique hip-style roof provides the perfect venue for tenants and spectators
• Home of the Stratford Cullitons Jr. ‘B” hockey club, with home games every Friday night in the winter.
• Other tenants include Stratford Minor Hockey, Stratford Skating Club, Stratford Ringette and the Stratford Girls Hockey Association
• Accessible
• Parking

Located in the north end of Stratford, this newly constructed and first-class facility is a fine venue for sporting, cultural, and private events. Featuring two NHL-size ice rinks, various meeting space, a multi-use Community Hall, and food and beverage amenities.

Four (4) multi-use halls (50' x 118'/hall), with approx. capacity of 300 people/hall. Halls can convert into one large space.

• Round/rectangle tables
• Ice service, large prep kitchen
• Perfect for weddings, banquets, receptions, parties, conferences, meetings, trade shows, seminars

Two (2) NHL-size ice rinks, walking track, Tim Taylor Lounge, viewing areas, and meeting rooms.

• Ideal for recreation events of all kinds
• 17 dressing rooms and meeting space
• Other uses: sporting events, parties, conferences, trade shows, and joint use with Community Halls

Located on the site of the Stratford Rotary Complex, the Stratford Agriplex includes a Farmer’s Market, a bingo and gaming centre, meeting spaces, and a Fieldhouse. The Fieldhouse is a 24,000 square foot space that is converted from an Agricultural event barn to a first class multi-use sport facility every six months. Several sport groups use the space, including the Stratford Badminton Club, Stratford Volleyball Club, Stratford Optimist Basketball Association, and Stratford Youth Soccer. A removable maple hardwood sport court is installed for the sport season, which runs annually from October thru April. A total of 15 weekend sport tournaments run over the six-month season.

As a sport facility, the Stratford Agriplex features:

• 16 badminton courts
• 4 volleyball courts
• 4 basketball courts
• Three 100 foot long sport curtains, which fold into the ceiling
• Four fully accessible changerooms and showers
• Referee/coaches room
• Family changeroom
• Sports lounge
• Viewing deck
• Bleacher seating for over 200 people

Dufferin Arena started as an outdoor ice rink in Dufferin Park on the corner of Dufferin & Oak Streets in 1967. The rink was enclosed in 1969 and over the years additional renovations have been made to produce the Community Arena that exists now.

The facility has served Stratford well as a facility for Minor Hockey, Girls Ringette, Girls Hockey, and many Adult Hockey Leagues.

For booking information call (519) 271-2161.

Located immediately to the West of the Festival Theatre this park includes; Picnic areas, the Pavilion & Bandshell, Public Washrooms, Concession Booth and a Playground.

Under a canopy of mature trees Queens Park is the perfect site for Family Reunions, Company Picnics, or any Special Event. Sunday and Wednesday evenings in the summer provide an opportunity to enjoy the park while listening to the scheduled Concerts in the Park. All other days of the week the Park is the ideal place for relaxing with family and friends before and after performances.

Upper Queens Park is just a few steps from the Gallery Stratford and just down the hill is a Softball Diamond, Soccer Field, Cricket Pitch and Lake Victoria.

In the winter, Lower Queens Park is the prime location for activities. Stratford's Winterfest converts the softball diamond and cricket pitch into a mini-winter wonderland including ice sculptures and mazes. The cricket patch becomes the ever popular outdoor skating rink.

For booking information call (519) 271-0250 ext. 243.

Sports Fields are operated by the Community Services Department, there are two major sports facilities. Packham Road Sports Complex: includes five ball diamonds and a pavilion with food and beverage services. S.E.R.C. Centre: includes two lit soccer fields, two lit ball diamonds and a rugby field as well as lit tennis courts. Both sites are available for special events, tournaments and corporate functions. For booking information, contact (519) 271-0250 ext. 243.