New look leisure centre to open next week

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This article was published 15/07/2010 (5541 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new look North End recreation centre scheduled to open next week is expected to be a community hub for health programming and better living.

The North Centennial Recreation and Leisure facility will officially open to the public Mon., July 19. Visitors will get to see firsthand the nearly $7 million in renovations and 18,000 sq. ft. of additions the facility has undergone.

Included in the new centre will be a 6,000 sq. ft. gymnasium, teaching kitchen, studio space and boardroom.

A new weight room will join together new and old sections of the facility, with one of its walls being the front facade of the old building. A new ramp adorns the facility’s pool to allow wheelchair access.

North Centennial Seniors Association president Bernice Feledechuk said the pool ramp is one of the biggest additions to the refurbished centre.

“We really appreciated it when the decision was made to include this. There used to be a hydraulic chair and many people were frightened to use it and never went into the pool,” she said.

The centre, located at 90 Sinclair St., was created with the surrounding community and user groups in mind. Many had a hand in determining what would eventually be included in the new facility.

Kevin Chief, executive director of WASAC, agreed that area residents played an active role in determining how the space would be used.

“It is an exciting time,” he said, noting one of the most important aspects of the facility will be the ability to provide proper health and nutrition training.

“People in low social economic situations have to deal with everything when it comes to health, equipment, leaders, but most important of all, nutrition,” he said.

“I think the facility is a great thing that not only draws in kids but families as well, not just for programming but for better living.”

Feledechuk agreed, noting the teaching kitchen will provide community groups and individuals with new opportunities.

“It will enhance the life skills and quality of life of entire area,” she said.

Ron Havens, treasurer of North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club, said the facility will help his organization bridge the long winter gap between seasons.

“Our season is fairly short, from August to October. What coaches would like to do is bring kids together for fun occasions throughout the year,” he said. “It’ll be great for team building.”

In addition, Nomads board meetings will also now be held at the new facility.

“It works well. We have 18 to 25 people at each meeting and it will be a much better space than holding them in one of our locker rooms,” he said.

John Kowal, treasurer of the North Y Seniors Club, said he is looking forward to getting back into the swing of things in the facility’s pool next week. Since construction started last year, the group has had to move its swimming activities to the Seven Oaks pool. The group is in the pool four days a week.

“In the end we want people to interact in an environment where everyone can socialize,” he said, noting that an indoor walking track and sauna should be also part of the facility’s upgrade.

Gary Swanson, community resource co-ordinator with the city, said the recreation centre will fill a definite gap in the North End.

“There has been recognition of a lack of a facility of this kind in the North End,” he said, noting neighbourhood community groups met throughout the planning and construction phases of the project.

rob.brown@canstarnews.com