Town of Bracebridge receiving $150,000 for Randy Gostick Park lighting upgrades
BRACEBRIDGE, ON (June 2, 2026) – The Town of Bracebridge will receive $150,000 through the Airbnb FIFA World Cup 2026™ Impact Program to support a field lighting retrofit project at Randy Gostick Park.
The funding will support the replacement of the park’s original 2004 field lighting system with modern LED fixtures, enhancing lighting quality for field users while significantly reducing energy consumption and long-term operating costs.
Randy Gostick Park is home to the Bracebridge Soccer Club and serves as a popular recreational hub for athletes, families and community members throughout the year. The lighting retrofit will improve the experience for users while supporting the Town’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible asset management.
The project had previously been identified in the Town’s long-term capital plan for future implementation. This funding will allow the project to move forward sooner, delivering benefits to the community in 2026.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Impact Program was established to support community projects in and around host regions as part of Airbnb’s commitment to communities connected to the tournament. Bracebridge is one of four Ontario municipalities selected to receive funding through the program.
Read the full media release from Airbnb at news.airbnb.com/building-a-fifa-legacy-for-ontario.
Quotes
“This investment through the Airbnb FIFA World Cup 2026™ Impact Program is an exciting opportunity for Bracebridge and our local soccer community. Upgrading the field lighting with modern LED technology will improve the experience for users, reduce energy consumption and support the Town’s long-term climate and infrastructure goals. We are grateful to Airbnb for recognizing the value of community recreation spaces and for investing in projects that leave a lasting legacy well beyond the tournament.”
- Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge
About Bracebridge – The Town of Bracebridge is located in the Heart of Muskoka, the epitome of Canada’s Cottage Country. With a population in excess of 17,000 permanent residents that doubles during the summer months, the community has a diversified economy that is highlighted by strong construction, hospitality and professional sectors. Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle in its spirit, the arts, food, home and recreation. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home.
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