Strathroy-Caradoc Council will be considering a Recreation Facility Infrastructure Renewal Strategy to guide development of two community recreation hubs over the next five years.
The hubs proposed by consultant Nustadia Recreation respond to public and user group feedback, community census data, industry trends, and facility condition assessments.
“The Nustadia report makes it clear that the community is asking for diversity and consolidation in our recreation offerings,” said Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden. “Adopting an Infrastructure Renewal Strategy will help us respond to that demand that in a fiscally responsible way and position us to partner with other levels of government for funding.”
Nustadia proposes the development of expanded community recreation hubs in Mount Brydges and Strathroy through four key recommendations to help the Municipality meet the changing recreation needs of its residents.
In Mount Brydges, the proposed community recreation hub centres around Caradoc Community Centre, with the addition of a year round, indoor playing field and field house as well as programming space. Also proposed is a refrigerated ice skating pad for colder months which would serve as a multi-use court space in the warmer months, all under a covered community pavilion.
Community indoor ice surfaces are proposed to be consolidated at a community recreation hub centred around Gemini Sportsplex. The addition of an ice pad would allow the Gemini to become a three pad facility better able to host tournaments and to support the community’s hockey and skating needs. A twin gymnasium with elevated indoor walking track is proposed to be developed at the Gemini along with additional programming space. The conversion of one of the natural grass playing fields to an outdoor, lighted artificial turf playing field will allow for an extended soccer season at the community’s northern recreation hub.
Both community hub proposals support ongoing plans for the expansion of seniors’ programming throughout the municipality.
“This comprehensive recreation facility strategy considers the municipality as a whole and addresses our changing demographics and user participation needs,” said Chief Administrative Officer Fred Tranquilli. “There’s clear public demand for investment in municipal recreation facilities and programs beyond the traditional ice hockey and figure skating offerings.”
Nustadia recommends that Tri-Township Arena and West Middlesex Memorial Centre be decommissioned rather than undertaking the significant capital investment required by both facilities.
The draft report will be reviewed at a Special Council Meeting on May 12, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Staff have recommended a sub-committee of five Council members be appointed to investigate the recommendations proposed in the study. The adoption of the final Recreation Facility Infrastructure Renewal Strategy is expected by June 21, 2021.
Review the full study and draft report below, or watch the meeting live on May 12 at 5:00 p.m. at www.strathroy-caradoc.ca/meetings.
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