After months and months of planning and fundraising, the Heidelberg Recreation Association is getting ready to break ground on a new community centre.
The association’s Bev Baechler says it is great to see that things are moving along as the community looks to replace the existing field house, closed due to safety concerns.
The pressure was on, with a year-end deadline for the $150,000 Ontario Trillium Grant that makes up the majority of the money raised for the project through the Build a Better Booth Campaign.
Ann McArthur, Woolwich’s director of recreation and facility services, says she expects construction to begin within the next 10 days, even though there is more money to raise before the project is complete.
“Frey Construction is finalizing the drawings after consultation with township staff and the Heidelberg Recreation Association. Frey Construction will then proceed to obtain both a demolition and building permit from the township and commence construction in the very near future,” she said in an email interview.
The building will be a big step up from the currently condemned structure on the site on Lobsinger Line.
The planned building will be 2,152 square feet with accessible washrooms, an external maintenance room, an enhanced servery that connects to a community room and to the outside of the building for outdoor events. The community room is going to be available for community rentals and the whole building will be connected to a renovated picnic shelter. The building is also being converted from propane to natural gas.
Baechler says the recreation association already has fundraising events planned to put together the last of the money together.
“The community expects a shortfall of $50,000, which was anticipated to be received from another municipality and the association will continue to fundraise in an attempt to make up that shortfall,” she said, alluding to Heidelberg’s dual nature, split so that part of it is in Woolwich and part in Wellesley Township. “The first event planned is the Heidelberg Fun Day at Max’s Sport Centre on Oct. 28, 6-9 p.m. Max’s will donate half the proceeds of that evening towards the Build a Better Booth Campaign.”
It has been a few years since the idea was pitched and fundraising began, and both township staff and recreation association members can’t wait to see the new building when it is complete. It has been a long time coming.
“Council and township staff are excited to see this project through to fruition to support the needs of the community after their dedication and commitment to fundraising for the revitalization project over a number of years,” said McArthur.
Baechler says the new structure will put a breath of life back into the community, bringing back events that have been cancelled or moved due to lack of venue.
“The new structure will allow the community to hold their annual Family Fun Day, which has not been able to take place in the last three years,” she said. “Also with the anticipated community room we will be able to hold day programs for seniors and also parents and tots and evening programs of community interest.”
