For years, our community grew around the two ping pong tables located on the second floor of our local community centre. These tables were much more than recreational equipment. They became a meeting point for people of different ages, backgrounds, skill levels, and schedules.

Our group organized itself informally through a chat, allowing players to coordinate throughout the day. This flexible arrangement worked because people did not need to arrive at one fixed time or register for a short programmed session. Experienced players, beginners, newcomers to the neighbourhood, and casual recreational players could simply connect, meet, play, exercise, and get to know one another.

Over time, this created a genuine community around table tennis.

In July, that environment changed. One of the two tables was removed, and shortly afterward the remaining table was also taken away while the second-floor area was reorganized for other uses. The area that had previously been animated by players throughout the day became noticeably quieter.

Since then, one table has been returned to the second floor. We appreciate that step. However, restoring only one table does not restore the community that existed before.

With a single table, only a very small number of people can play at one time, while others must wait. What previously allowed several players to rotate, meet different opponents, and naturally accommodate different schedules has become much more limited. The table is still being used, which itself demonstrates that there is continuing demand, but one table cannot realistically serve the community that developed around two.

This is why our request is simple and practical: **restore the second table and return the second-floor table tennis area to two functional tables with meaningful open access.**

We understand that a community centre must serve many different users and activities. We are not asking for the second floor to belong exclusively to table tennis. We are asking for a reasonable balance that preserves an activity that has already demonstrated strong and sustained community participation.

The original two-table arrangement encouraged physical activity, friendship, social interaction, and informal mentorship between experienced and newer players. For some people, it became part of their weekly routine. For others, particularly newcomers, it became a place to meet people and feel connected to the community.

The current single table cannot provide the same experience or capacity.

Restoring the second table would be a relatively simple way to bring back much of what made this space successful: spontaneous recreation, physical activity, social connection, and a welcoming environment for people who may not be able to participate in fixed scheduled programs.

This petition is not simply about ping pong. It is about preserving a community that formed naturally around an accessible public space.

We are asking the Community Centre and the City of Toronto to recognize the continued demand for table tennis at this location and to restore "two" safe, usable tables with meaningful open-access hours.

Please support our request and help us bring back a space where people can once again meet, play, exercise, and connect.

“We appreciate that one table has been returned, but restoring one table is not the same as restoring the community that existed around two.”