West Parry Sound’s Aquatic and Recreation Centre, previously known as the Recreation and Culture Centre, is on track to break ground by next summer.
Chair of the Centre’s Board Donald Sanderson says the project has shifted from ideas into action. “We are really excited about this momentum,” he adds. Officials say the project will increase the quality of indoor recreation and encourage healthy, active living for many residents in the region.
Earlier this fall the Municipal Services Board(MSB) hired Toronto-based Gordon and Gordon Group to manage the project thanks to over $20 million in government funding. The MSB represents all seven West Parry Sound municipalities collaborating on the centre.
The centre’s Fundraising Committee says they’ve been working to build awareness and create opportunities for the community to contribute to the project. The volunteer group is planning to connect with the West Parry Sound community at a grassroots level to keep the public informed and excited about the project.
In September, the board says the team’s fundraising strategy was approved by the MSB. Sarah Mahon, a member of the fundraising committee says this facility is going to be a huge asset to our community and one that has been decades in the making.
“We want to make sure West Parry Sound residents know that this aquatic and recreation centre is indeed on its way, and we are committed to doing what we can to help make this facility the best it can be through a robust fundraising plan,” Mahon adds.
The board also recently approved the issuing of a Request for Proposal to secure the services of an architecture and design firm, which is set to work with the Gordon and Gordon Group and leadership team to finalize the building’s design, amenities and layout.
The new facility will help close the existing service gap in the region where Parry Sounders have to complete a 156-kilometre round-trip commute currently, to access an indoor public pool.