Editor:
I was wondering if the mayor and council would take another look at the repurposing of the old recreation centre.
It’s clear that the gymnastics club got the short end of the stick with respect to a new and improved space when Elevation Place came into being; it was after all very much in keeping with the overall theme of climbing, swimming, yoga and fitness classes. However that ship has sailed.
Nevertheless, there is an existing gymnastic space and an abundance of privately and publically funded indoor training centers in Canmore. So far, in terms of the old recreation centre, it seems that attention has been directed towards recreation with respect to fitness rather than on recreation with respect to entertainment.
Perhaps it would be helpful to examine diversity within population rather than diversity of purpose. If the goal of a multipurpose facility is to provide a location where all community members can meet and enjoy an activity, why not consider a bowling alley? First off, it could potentially bring together kindergarten birthday parties and school functions as well as seniors leagues (and how better to integrate different ages of our community?).
Secondly, it would address our, at risk, population who party in the bush and find themselves with nothing else to do on a Friday night. I think we need to be reminded in this town that it’s OK to want to hang out in a safe and warm place with friends and or family and simply play a game.
AHS funds many initiatives in terms of addiction awareness, prevention and treatment. Surely some of these funds could subsidize our youth in accessing safe entertainment.
It’s important to remember that all members of this community contribute to it, and not all of these members are athletes, and many of these contributors would appreciate due consideration in your decision making on this matter.
Tova Jansen,
Canmore
