The Town of Wasaga Beach shares how they plan to build community through a brand new state-of-the-art recreation complex, including a twin-pad arena and library.
Val Dickson, the coordinator of fundraising and sponsorship for this new project, said construction is due to be complete summer of 2023.
A peek inside the new twin-pad arena and library
There will be two 200-by-85 feet ice pads, a fitness walking track, a concession, ample seating, and access to free wifi inside the arena, offering so much more than a space for hockey and figure skating.
The library will have an extensive book and audio-visual collection, as well as children’s activity and program rooms, a community boardroom, public computers, study/meeting rooms and workspaces.
There is a digital lab for 3D printing, music, film recording and editing, a learning lab, an indoor playground, a youth zone with virtual reality and a gaming pod. Multipurpose rooms of varying sizes will be well-appointed to host meetings, dinners, seminars, art shows and more. Dickson said this is a space for everyone.
Wasaga Beach will soon have an indoor and outdoor facility that all people can enjoy, whatever the season. Outside of the fully accessible facility, there are outdoor program spaces with infrastructure for special events and stages. There will be basketball courts and ample green space for dog walking and landscaped plantings and lawn areas.
Bringing the community together
Dickson said she hopes that when people visit the all-ages facility, they will get a chance to explore something new.
“I love how perhaps while walking the track, you could look down and see people practicing and putting their heart out to a sport they love. And maybe they've never had that opportunity before,” she said.
Or someone stopping by for a sports activity and realizing the library space offers so much more, like yoga, drum circles, early education sessions and meet-ups for groups such as the Alzheimer's Society.
“It's no longer a staid place. We don’t have to be quiet. It's meant to be a community hub for activities and gatherings, and it’s social,” she said.
These spaces provide another centre for community in Wasaga Beach. It’s a place for gathering and celebrating.
“Communities have been impacted as we had to spend more time alone, whether it be through a pandemic or just the nature of lives now with technology,” Dickson said.“It's wonderful to create an environment where people feel welcome, and they can come together again in person. If they feel lonely, we’re that place for them.”
Investing in the future
The community’s investment in this project is twofold, Dickson said. It serves current residents with more space and opportunity for recreation and events. It’s also attractive to new residents who are looking for a community with excellent amenities.
She said anyone can invest in the future of their community, to build a legacy. Besides receiving larger donations from businesses, there have also been many people coming forward to help.
Donations as low as $100 will get a name or memorial on a “brick,” or a bit more will be recognized through trees and benches.
“We've had people come forward that say, ‘My spouse coached minor hockey for years. And I would love to have his name on an arena seat.’”
Dickson said she understands that there is an emotional connection to the past and future of the project for many people. So she has intentionally made donations to the twin-pad arena and library as accessible as possible, with monthly pledge plans online.
“There is nothing more rewarding than giving back, contributing to growth in Wasaga Beach, and making a difference in the lives of people in this community,” said Rachael Ivak of the Municipal Law Enforcement Department. Ivak and her team are among the many to have contributed to the fundraising campaign.
Pledge a one-time or monthly donation online on the Town of Wasaga Beach fundraising website or make a legacy donation here.
Receive project updates as they happen on the Wasaga Beach Facebook page.