A year ago, a tai chi program at Sarnia’s Strangway Community Center was in danger of folding for lack of participants, a spokesperson says.
A year ago, a tai chi program at Sarnia’s Strangway Community Center was in danger of folding for lack of participants, a spokesperson says.
Advertisement 2
Article content
Article content
Recommended Videos
Article content
That is, until enough people learned about it at an early-January open house and joined up, said activities programmer Mike Neely, with the city-run activities center in Germain Park.
Tai chi registration numbers spiked, the program ended up running, “and some of those individuals I still see to this day almost a year later,” Neely said.
Some 350 people last January turned out for tours of the building, had a chance to meet about 30 of the instructors involved in various fitness, music, sports, special interest, and crafting classes, and view demonstrations, he said.
This year’s open house returns Jan. 4 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, he said, noting it’s held annually the first Saturday in January to kick off the new year, at a time when people might be looking to try something new.
Advertisement 3
Article content
“So, it’s a good way for individuals to come, spend a couple of hours and get to meet our instructors one on one,” and learn about programs before committing, he said.
Last year’s was a record in terms of the number of instructors on hand, he said.
“We had every room in use.”
A woodworking hobby shop is on site, sports such as hockey and volleyball are held at community arenas and gyms, and memberships are available for people 50 and older, but not required for program participation, according to details from the city.
A full listing of the 85-plus programs on offer, most for people 20 and older, is available at sarnia.ca/play/recreation-programming.
Operating the center is expected to cost the city $140,000 net in 2025, according to budget documents.
Advertisement 4
Article content
Neely said he’s still trying to get the word out about a new pick-up hockey program for people 50 and older.
Hopes are the open house draws some new interest so it can start in January, he said.
“I think it’s just a matter of time,” he said about the league that costs about $30 to $35 to join.
“It’s definitely a cost-effective way to get together and play some hockey in the community,” he said.
Fall and winter programming at the 1989-opened center named for William Strangway, who donated $1 million toward its founding, continues until the end of March, Neely said.
Details for spring and summer programs that run April to August are announced March 4, and registration starts March 18, he said.
Article content