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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Province boosts rec centre hours

Funding aimed at inner-city kids

By: Larry Kusch

Posted: 07/11/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

Issac, Jenney and Caide work on a mural at the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre Friday, one of 10 soon able to stay open longer. (PHIL.HOSSACK@FREEPRESS.MB.CA)

The provincial government is spending $1.3 million to extend the hours that 10 Winnipeg inner-city recreation centres are open by more than 50 per cent.

Many of the centres will soon be open seven days a week, instead of five, and will stay open later in the evening.

The new funding will also allow for the hiring of 20 full- and part-time recreation leaders who will develop and help deliver programming for kids.

"It's fantastic," said Lawrence Mulhall, executive director of the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre. He said the announcement means his organization can devote more money to programming and "takes the burden off our core funding."

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton and Mayor Sam Katz made the announcement Friday at Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre on King Street north of Higgins Avenue.

Also benefiting from the funding, which is being delivered under the province's Neighbourhoods Alive! initiative, are Norquay Community Centre, Pritchard Park Rec Centre, Magnus Eliason Rec Centre, Central Community Centre, Burton Cummings Community Centre, Broadway Neighbourhood Centre, Central Park Community Centre, Ralph Brown Community Centre and Mayfair Recreation Centre.

The city is delivering the rec centre programming in partnership with groups such as the Graffiti Gallery. Provincial funding for the new rec staff runs out March 31, 2011.

"There is a way you can make a difference, and it is by giving kids positive opportunities," Ashton said at the press conference.

Among the activities being funded are sports, arts and crafts, a new community art initiative and a new mentorship/leadership development program.

The mentorship/leadership development program will partner university students with aboriginal high-school students, who will plan and deliver an after-school drop-in program for young kids at an inner-city school or rec centre.

"We all know when it comes to children in the inner city, there are challenges," Katz said in thanking the province for the funding boost. "When our community centres close at 7 or 8 (p.m.), the options that are available aren't exactly terrific."

Graffiti Gallery's Jillian Ramsay said the kids at Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre will be thrilled that the facility will be open seven days a week.

"We'll be able to program every day of the week plus have special summer workshops," she said. "And we will also be able to expand into holidays from schools," such as spring break and Christmas break.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 11, 2009 B5

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