Something very exciting happened this past Saturday, May 30th, for the youth of our community!
The Cornwall Youth Space officially opened at Alexander Park, and it is so much more than just a place—it is a vision brought to life by local youth, for local youth. Designed to be safe, welcoming, and full of possibilities, this new community space is all about connection, creativity, belonging, and giving young people a place they can truly call their own.
I was thrilled to be able to take some time between setting up to DJ and MC a wedding and attend the official Grand Opening Ceremony at 1:00 p.m.
The weather was absolutely beautiful, and Alexander Park, located at 245 Eighth Street East, was buzzing with activity. Youth and their families gathered to enjoy a free BBQ, games, demonstrations, music, mini putt, and plenty of opportunities to win great prizes. There truly was something for everyone.
A 3-on-3 basketball tournament fundraiser took place throughout the day, with proceeds supporting future youth activities and programming. The energy was incredible, and it was wonderful to see so many people coming together to celebrate this important milestone.
The official ceremony began with remarks from Melanie Boileau, Project Coordinator at the Social Development Council SDGCA and a member of the Cornwall Youth Space Committee. Melanie thanked the many sponsors, donors, partners, volunteers, and community members whose support over the past three years helped turn this dream into reality.
Among the Platinum Sponsors were Bourgon Construction, which built the impressive multi-tiered structure along with concrete picnic tables, chess tables, and ping pong tables, and the Rotary Club of Cornwall, whose generous donation of more than $75,000 helped fund the outdoor fitness equipment that is available for everyone to enjoy.
Gold Sponsors included the Social Development Council SDGCA, Children’s Aid Society of SD&G, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, the Optimist Club of Cornwall, and Lasting Impressions Landscaping.
Silver Sponsors included BMR Cornwall, Fines Home Hardware & Building Centre, EVB Engineering, Latreille Electric, St. Lawrence Structures, and KIN Eavestroughs & Metal Roofing.
Melanie also acknowledged the many Bronze and Community Sponsors, with a special thank you to the City of Cornwall for contributing a fountain, bike repair station, bike racks, and a brand-new basketball court.
Following the speeches, Mayor Justin Towndale was joined by Cornwall Youth Space Committee members Melanie Boileau, Cst. Casey MacGregor, Mandy Prevost, and Terry Muir, a member of the Cornwall Rotary Club and MP Eric Duncan for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Congratulations to everyone involved in creating this incredible space. It was truly inspiring to see a project built by community collaboration become a reality, and I have no doubt that Cornwall Youth Space will positively impact local youth for many years to come.
Here’s your chance to learn more about what this project that has been three years in the making and what it means for Cornwall and the young people it serves as I had a chance to chat with Melanie Boileau a few weeks ago.
For those hearing about it for the first time, what exactly is Cornwall Youth Space, and what inspired its creation here in our community?
Cornwall Youth Space is a community project led by a volunteer committee and a Youth Advisory Council made up of young people from diverse backgrounds. The goal was to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive space for all youth. Since 2020, there has been a concerning rise in police-related occurrences involving youth. A youth officer with the Cornwall Police Service and a community volunteer shared their concerns following an incident at Ribfest in 2022. When youth were asked what was contributing to this behaviour, many said there was nothing to do in Cornwall. Through those conversations, it became clear that there was a gap when it came to welcoming, accessible spaces for young people. Our Youth Advisory Council really captured the vision best with the mission statement they created: Together with our community building a safe, healthy space for all youth to chill, get away, connect and thrive.
Why was Alexander Park chosen as the home for this youth space, and what makes this location special?
Alexander Park wasn’t our first choice, but it really became the best fit. Initially, we had our eyes on Joe St. Denis Park, specifically where the old Bob Turner building stood, because of its central location and available space. However, due to factors beyond our control, that option wasn’t possible, and we were presented with three alternative locations: Lamoureux Park, Mattice Park, and Alexander Park. We brought the Youth Advisory Council along to tour each of the parks, and after seeing the spaces in person, it was a unanimous decision. Alexander Park just felt right.
This is a youth-led initiative—how were local young people involved in shaping the vision and design of the space?
The Youth Advisory Council has been involved right from the beginning, and it was really important to us that their voices were at the centre of this project. We met with them every few months to check in, share updates, and get their input. They helped brainstorm ideas for what they wanted to see in the space, including a gazebo with access to power, additional seating, an updated basketball court, a legal graffiti wall, an outdoor street gym, and game tables like ping pong and chess, as well as a bike repair station, bike rack, and water fountain. They also volunteered their time at fundraising events and played a key role in decision-making along the way.
This project addresses important issues like youth mental health and community connection—how do you see the Cornwall Youth Space making a long-term impact in the city?
The lack of suitable recreational spaces for youth in Cornwall has led to displacement, social isolation, and, at times, negative behaviours. These challenges were only intensified by the pandemic, with many young people experiencing increased stress and depression. From early on, community partners including a counselling service, were involved and helped shape the vision. One idea that came forward was the “Safe Space”, a multi-tiered concrete seating area on the west side of the park designed as a quiet zone. It’s a place where youth can connect with each other, but it can also be used by counsellors or officers to meet with young people in a more comfortable, non-traditional setting outside of an office. Since 2023, more than 30 sponsors have supported this project, which really speaks to how much the community has come together around it. Once the space is complete, it will be handed back to the City of Cornwall, who will take care of the long-term upkeep and maintenance. Looking ahead, we’d love to see this project serve as a model for future youth-focused spaces across the city.
Before I wrap up, I wanted to add a personal note. I have never quite understood why anyone feels the need to vandalize community spaces—especially one created specifically for our youth, who have long deserved a place to gather, connect, and simply be themselves. Unfortunately, prior to the Grand Opening, the punching bag in the outdoor fitness area was damaged by vandals. My hope is that security cameras, if they have not already been installed, will help discourage this type of behaviour moving forward. This beautiful space belongs to all of us, and I encourage everyone to take pride in it and help protect it. And for those who feel inspired to express themselves through street art, there is even a designated legal graffiti wall within the park where creativity can be celebrated in a positive and respectful way. Let’s work together to keep this amazing new space welcoming, vibrant, and enjoyable for generations of youth to come.
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