Warwick Township Mayor Todd Case tried some time ago to book a meeting room at the East Lambton community complex but discovered it already was being used.
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“It was music to my ears,” he said.
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Case said it was just another sign the $11.5-million renewed and expanded center that opened a year ago at the township’s arena in Watford has been embraced by the community.
The community group of which he was part found another spot to meet that evening in the complex that is home to a large gym and community hall, state-of-the-art kitchen and bar, and a YMCA fitness center.
“The best part is it’s being used,” Case said.
Initially, municipal officials hoped 250 members might sign up with the YMCA, but the number is well over 500, he said.
“It has been very, very successful,” Case said. “They do a great job with the programming here.”
The facility also is used for township and community programs and activities.
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“They have walking groups,” Case said. “The pickleball, like everywhere, is incredible. They have a volleyball group. . . it’s just amazing how much this facility is being utilized.”
“We’ve had huge parties here,” he said about the gym and community hall that anchors the southern end of the complex.
Friday, township officials gathered at the complex with Lianne Rood, MP Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, to acknowledge $100,000 from a federal enabling accessibility fund used during construction.
The money helped pay for accessible entry ways, washrooms and change rooms, and an accessible viewing platform in the arena, said Ryan Chamney, the township’s parks, recreation and facilities manager.
“This is really the heart of the community,” Rood said. “Making our community spaces more accessible for all allows all community members to participate and enjoy the space.”
“Making sure this building is accessible to all is very, very important as a community,” Case said.
The township financed the project with $2.1 million raised by community fundraisers as well as a loan, he said.
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