By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: July 21, 2012
Floor resurfacing, a new auditorium divider, an indoor play area, space for high quality food, and a mezzanine office are just some of the changes underfoot at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
A revamp of its signage and design is also planned.
The changes to the 34 year old community centre are all part of a Brennan Park Revitalisation Plan.
The revitalisation of the rec centre was a secondary council priority for this year.
Changes are also in the offing for the 20-year-old swimming pool. Changes will be made to reduce energy consumption, resulting in the elimination of costly emergency repairs, and better air quality around the pool area.
The capital cost is $136,500, while the annual revenue and savings is $31,000 for these projects. The revitalisation gain force when the Squamish Parks and Recreation Master Plan is completed by the fall of 2012.
That plan will provide a long-term strategy for future developments and enhancements to park systems, open spaces and recreation facilities and programs.
The recreation service team is planning more activities.
A new pilot program is being offered this fall for children ages 3 – 5 years old that offers a range of activities that focus on physical literacy and creativity.
New programs will also be introduced in upcoming Recreation Program Guides that focus on youth, seniors and outdoor recreation.
The outer structure isn’t the only thing that needs attention.
The Recreation Core Service, released last year by the district paints an unflattering view of the Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
With tired old programs and equally hackneyed service delivery models, Brennan Park Recreation Centre felt like a “ghost town” with nothing going on there, the report said.
The findings were reached after confidential interviews with citizens and independent reviews by the district.
The report paints a frank–and damning picture–of a recreation centre where old and insufficient programs need a desperate new breath of life.
The district does not collect 50 per cent of revenue from campgrounds because of management loopholes.
Then, there are not enough spaces in the specific programs, mainly in aquatics. People find themselves on wait list for programs. Timing for programs does not meet current demand for parents that are working.
These are just some of the issues that the district is working on, as part of the revitalisation of recreation services.
“This will help to provide a satisfying, safe and memorable recreation experience in Squamish,” said Christie Smith, the communications manager.
Brad says
Waterslide!!