Gretzky Center more than ‘a place to play and exercise’

The City of Brantford marked the 10th anniversary of extensive renovations to the Wayne Gretzky Sport Center on Saturday with a day full of fun, family activities.

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Visitors could pick up a keepsake 10th anniversary passport that outlined activities available throughout the day, as well as a Wayne Gretzky poster.

Outside, Brantford’s own Doug Hunt set a new Guinness World Record for stilt walking as he took 14 continuous, forward steps atop 55-foot tall stilts before a crowd that gathered to watch the feat.

“Sure, it’s a fantastic recreational facility,” Mayor Kevin Davis told a crowd outside. “But I think what we’re celebrating is what this building has done to our community.

“This building has been a platform, a stage, a catalyst for so many things that have meant so much to so many people. The impact of this building is almost immeasurable.”

The mayor noted the city has done a number of things to commemorate Walter Gretzky including his likeness on the doors of the No. 2 fire hall on Fairview Drive, a bust outside council chambers at city hall, and the renaming of the Northridge golf course to the Walter Gretzky Golf Course.

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“Today we’re doing the final piece of this city’s recognition of our tremendous ambassador and honorary Lord Mayor Walter Gretzky,” he said. “We all knew that Walter spent a lot of time here and had his own reserved parking spot.

“Today we’re going to be officially commemorating a piece of art that will preserve that parking spot and Walter’s memory for time immemorial.”

Selected from a call for artists, Toronto-based artist Karen Roberts utilized hockey sticks left behind by the community at his parking spot in tribute to Walter Gretzky upon his passing March 4, 2021.

“These sticks were cut and fitted to create the form of a puck,” Roberts explained. “The puck was just hit into the net scoring a goal.”

She said the sculpture, entitled Take Your Shot, acknowledges Walter Gretzky’s stature as a leading mentor of the game, and his philosophy of always taking a shot at your goal.

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“Overall, the sculpture embodies the spirit of Walter Gretzky as a cherished figure of the local community and an emblem of hockey’s power to inspire, and a reminder of his enduring impact on the sport and its players.”

Rick Cox, Brantford’s director of parks and recreation, said sport and recreation are the lifeblood of any healthy community, and a facility such as the Wayne Gretzky Sports Center provides opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and ages to come together, build connections, and lead active lives.

“It’s not just a place to play and exercise, but a hub for social interaction, cultural exchange, and personal growth,” he explained. “They unite people in common pursuits of health, happiness, and shared goals fostering a sense of belonging, pride, and unity.”

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A long line up parents and young children waited their turn for a meet and greet with Paw Patrol characters Chase and Skye inside the gymnasium.

Young children were fascinated as they got to try early versions of the telephone – from rotary dial, push button, car and early cellular phones – at a display table from the Bell Homestead.

People could also take part in a free public skate and had an opportunity to meet Olympic gold medalist Jocelyne Larocque, who was the second overall draft pick of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

Quincy Mack of Brantford, a professional basketball freestyler, youth educator and public speaker staged two performances of his Q-MACK All-Star Experience Show.

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