One of Richmond’s busiest community centres has re-opened its fitness centre following a $1.5 million renovation.
According to a City of Richmond news release, new features include energy efficient designs, such as more natural light, LED light fixtures and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades; a universal and accessible washroom and shower facility; new exercise equipment and adaptable court space with a movable wall.
The latter had become a bone of contention last year when racquetball players felt bounced out of the renovation process. Then, the players were informed they would be losing their courts. But after some compromise, the community centre built movable walls to maintain the courts while adding workout space.
The fitness centre is located on the second floor of the building. After renovations, the total fitness area increased by 33 per cent.
After the South Arm Community Association provided $500,000 for the upgrades, the City of Richmond and federal government responded in kind, the latter via the Community Infrastructure Fund.
“Promoting health, wellness, active living and sport is a strong and long-standing commitment of Richmond City Council. This Canada 150 commemorative project brings tremendous benefit to Richmond residents. We are pleased to be working with our federal and community association partners on delivering much needed upgrades to community infrastructure to serve Richmond’s growing community for decades to come,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie, via a news release.
“Amenities like the South Arm Community Centre go beyond promoting healthy and active lifestyles for residents – they create healthy communities,” said Joe Peschisolido, Member of Parliament for Steveston–Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada.
“I am proud that the Government of Canada has been able to support the City of Richmond in building strong, modern infrastructure that will benefit this community for years to come,” said Peschisolido.
