Attendance numbers at the Simcoe Recreation Centre were up significantly in 2022 and continue to be strong into 2023.
Between the new indoor multi-purpose floor, Annaleise Carr Aquatic Centre, Simcoe Seniors’ Centre, and the bookable meeting spaces, program and rental participants added up to 82,868 visits in 2022.
A big reason for the increased use of the facilities is the availability of flexible, adaptable spaces, such as the 15,725 square-foot multi-purpose floor. Groups can book this space for a wide variety of activities such as indoor sports team practices (some conditions apply), birthday parties, floor hockey, pickleball, badminton, indoor walking, dance, inline/roller skating, strength training, and more.
“Our staff is working hard to ensure residents can enjoy healthy, active lifestyles and get the most use out of the Recreation Centre,” said Nikki Slote, Norfolk County Director of Recreation. “Not only have we seen a large increase in membership for the Seniors’ Centre; the building is beginning to burst at the seams which we haven’t seen in years. It’s great to see the Centre so alive with activity in the pool, on the multi-purpose floor, and everywhere in between.”
Wayne Blazey, president of the Seniors’ Centre, said the 800 plus members of the group are “very pleased” since moving into the facility in early 2021.
“The building is well maintained, clean, and bright inside,” Blazey added. “Plus, the on-site County staff are very friendly, upbeat, and helpful. The addition of the multi-purpose floor has been a tremendous benefit to the activities that we are able to offer.”
Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin praised both County staff and users for making great use of the facility.
“Kudos to both staff and the public for recognizing the importance of movement – especially during colder months when exercising outdoors can be challenging for some residents,” said Martin. “This bodes well not just for our community in the present, but also the future as well.”
